The Lenawee Voice — March 2026

Free technology classes

Adrian’s Chad O’Brien chosen as Athletic Director of the Year

» PAGE A8

THE LENAWEE VOICE

Clinton’s Bryce Randolph battles back from injury to reach a wrestling milestone » PAGE A9

Local students test their knowledge in science competition » PAGE B1

Leadership transition at Catholic Charities » PAGE B1

See RECYCLING, page A4

Local girls basketball teams aim for the Breslin Center » PAGE A7

MARCH 2026

Traveling remembrance

under the Nazi regime. The papers are part of a temporary exhibit about the Holocaust that will be displayed at the

of

in downtown Adrian through April 26. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Pop-up museum about the Holocaust can be seen in Adrian through April 26

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — The temporary Holocaust museum that will be on display for the next two months in downtown Adrian is many things.

A memorial to the dead. A tribute to the resilience of both those who survived and those who did not.

But perhaps most of all, it’s an attempt to understand one of the darkest periods in recent history — and to learn from it.

“Everyone asks ‘How do we make sure we don’t repeat this?’ — and there’s no playbook,” said Bob Behnke, one of the leaders of the effort to bring the Holocaust exhibit to Adrian.

But by understanding our history, he said, hopefully we can see where we went wrong in the past and make sure it can never happen again.

Behnke, a retired educator and Adrian city commissioner, has studied the Holocaust extensively. In addition, he and his husband, Will Camp, have traveled several times to the areas once ruled by the Nazi regime.

In the foreground of this image is a letter from a political prisoner at the Dachau concentration camp. Letters from inmates came from the collection of Michael Lehr, and Ron Chinn designed the rotating displays that allow visitors to see both sides of the paper. In the background are exhibit panels from the Zekelman Holocaust Center.

“The best way to understand the present is to understand the past,” Camp said.

The museum is located at 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 6. It is inside the Gallery of Shops, and the entrance is

Meetings planned on school district’s recreation center proposal

» PAGE A3

just west of the Gallery of Shops’ main entrance. The exhibit will stay up from March 3 to April 26.

See MUSEUM, page A15

Breakfast with a Farmer event planned for April 4 in Hudson

» PAGE A11

Sheri Reeves Bleam shows Bob Behnke a collection of photographs and documents belonging to her mother, an Austrian citizen who lived

Gallery

Shops

Hunters Helping Lenawee has another record year

ADRIAN — Hunters Helping Lenawee, a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation, had another record year for donations of venison to help local families in need.

As of Jan. 30, a total of 12,652 ½ pounds of venison had been donated to Lenawee food pantries and community meal programs.

That’s nearly 2 ½ times the amount donated in the same period last year and equals meat for at least 50,610 meals.

The Hunters Helping Lenawee program has provided more than 130,500 meals since its inception.

Nearly 15 percent of Lenawee County residents face food insecurity. With the ability to feed at least four people with each pound of venison donated, Hunters Helping Lenawee is providing lean, quality protein for local families.

Hunters Helping Lenawee began in 2010 with initial funding from individual donors and grants from local foundations, including the Lenawee Community Foundation.

The first year of the program, just over 1,200 pounds of venison was donated. That number has increased tenfold over the life of the program.

Participating deer processors include Exact Wildlife Creations in Tipton, Kasper’s Hickory House in Clinton, and Palmer’s Deer Processing in Britton, as well as the addition this year of Monahan’s Meat Market in Adrian, which has had a significant impact on venison donation to the program.

“Hunters Helping Lenawee shows what’s possible when generosity and community come together,” said Bronna Kahle, president and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “From hunters and processors to food pantries, meal programs, volunteers, and donors, so many caring people make this program thrive. This commitment helps ensure local families, individuals, and seniors have access to nutritious meals — strengthening the health, happiness, and hope of our community.”

For details, go to lenaweecommunityfoundation.com and click on the “Programs” menu.

Free technology classes in March at the Adrian library

Residents can get help learning how to use Apple and Android smartphones and Google Docs

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting in-person classes in March to help participants gain confidence and new skills using Google Docs or their mobile device.

Classes will be held at the library, 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Mobile Device Basics — Android: Wednesday, March 11, from 1-2:45 p.m. This workshop is for those who have a new Android mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions. It will support attendees to get connected, identify common apps, and build confidence in using their device safely.

Mobile Device Basics — iPhone (iOS): Thursday, March 12, from 1-2:45 p.m. This workshop is for those who have a new iPhone (iOS) mobile device, or are considering getting one, and want to

learn more about the basic functions. It will support attendees to get connected, identify common apps, and build confidence in using their device safely.

Google Docs — The Basics: Wednesday, March 25, from 1-2:45 p.m. Learn how to use Google Docs’ basic features for creating, editing, and sharing word processing documents in this class. Participants should already be familiar with computer basics.

There’s no cost to attend these classes, but space is limited and registration is required. Participants can sign up online at adrian.lib.mi.us or call the library at 517-265-2265 to register.

Adrian District Library’s mission is to meet the evolving needs of the Adrian community through equitable opportunities for connection, lifelong learning, and exploration.

Roman Vogel is pictured with a deer he donated to Hunters Helping Lenawee. COURTESY OF LENAWEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Free technology classes will continue in March at the Adrian District Library. Smartphones and how to use Google Docs are the upcoming topics. LENAWEE VOICE FILE PHOTO

Meetings planned on school district’s recreation center millage proposal

ADRIAN — The Adrian school district is holding a series of public meetings for anyone who would like to ask questions or get more information about the district’s upcoming bond proposal.

The proposal is for a 0.65-mill levy that would fund the construction of a new community recreational facility at Adrian High School, just north of the Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center. It would also fund updates to the performing arts center, which was built in 2007.

The school board voted in January to approve sending the bond proposal to voters in a special election to take place May 5.

The meetings began in February. Two more are planned this month:

n Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. in the media center at Adrian High School, 785 Riverside Ave.

n Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, 340 E. Church St.

The purpose of the proposed facility would be to provide year-round space for both school and community events, as well as additional practice space for school sports, band, cheerleading, and dance. It is also intended to support youth recreation programs and contribute to economic activity by hosting tournaments and other events.

The proposed updates to the performing arts center include seating, lighting, carpeting, and other furnishings.

The cost is estimated at approximately $27.5 million, with the estimated tax impact for a home valued at $200,000 being $65 per year or $5.42 per month.

The election is for voters in the Adrian school district, which includes most of the city of Adrian and portions of several surrounding townships. The school district is separate from any county, city or township government.

Attorney general launches form for residents to document actions by federal agents

LANSING — In response to reports of violence and other misconduct by federal immigration authorities, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an online form that residents can use to document encounters with federal agents.

Nessel announced the new initiative on Feb. 4, after two protesters were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.

“What we are seeing from federal immigration agents across the country has been deeply concerning,” she said. “In Michigan, we do not, and will not tolerate harmful, illegal actions against our residents, and I will not hesitate to uphold the law. That includes investigating unlawful actions perpetrated by a federal officer in our state.”

In addition to the January killings, there have been numerous complaints about excessive force used by immigration and border patrol agents. In one incident, a Hmong immigrant who is also a U.S. citizen was forced out of his home at gunpoint in freezing weather while wearing only his underwear, a pair of sandals, and a blanket. The government later admitted it was a case of mistaken identity, and the man who agents said they were looking for was actually already incarcerated.

In other cases, agents’ claims of having been attacked have been contradicted by video evidence.

The new form allows residents to upload photos and videos for review by the attorney general’s office.

The form can be accessed at www.michigan.gov/ag/news/ federal-actions-tracker.

A MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SERVING LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN lenaweevoice.com

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DEBORAH J. COMSTOCK

CONTENT DIRECTOR ERIK GABLE

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POLICE REPORTS

Following are reports from law enforcement agencies listed in the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS) database.

ADDISON

Jan. 30: Assault, 200 block of North Comstock Street.

Feb. 3: Assault, 200 block of North Comstock Street (two reports).

Feb. 5: False pretenses, 600 block of Lake Street.

ADRIAN CITY

Jan. 21: Shoplifting, 1000 block of South Main Street. Theft from a building, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Illegal credit card use, 400 block of College Avenue.

Jan. 22: Theft from a building, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Disorderly conduct, 100 block of West Maumee Street.

Jan. 23: Assault, 100 block of Canterbury Drive. Assault, 600 block of West Beecher Street. Assault, 1100 block of College Avenue. Assault, 1300 block of South Winter Street.

Jan. 24: Assault, 700 block of North Main Street. Assault, 1500 block of West Maumee Street. Shoplifting, 1300 block of South Main Street. Property damage and theft from a building, 1300 block of South Winter Street.

Jan. 25: Assault, 500 block of Division Street.

Jan. 26: Assault, 200 block of Division Street.

Jan. 27: Sexual assault, 100 block of East Hunt Street. False pretenses, 700 block of Riverside Avenue.

Jan. 28: Shoplifting, 1500 block of West Maumee Street.

Jan. 29: Theft from a building, East Michigan and Center streets. Theft from a building, 1000 block of South Winter Street. Larceny, 200 block of Division Street. Intimidation, 1500 block of Village Green Lane.

Jan. 30: Identity theft, 300 block of Ferguson Avenue. Illegal credit card use, 1200 block of Vine Street. Assault and property damage, 900 block of West Maumee Street. Theft from a building, 600 block of North Locust Street.

Jan. 31: Assault, 700 block of West Maple Avenue. Property damage, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Burglary, 1200 block of Madison Drive.

Feb. 1: Assault, 700 block of East Church Street.

Feb. 2: Assault, 300 block of Toledo Street. Illegal credit card use, 1800 block of West Maumee Street. Wire fraud, 1300 block of Trenton Road. Theft from a building, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. Illegal credit card use, 500 block of South Winter Street. Loitering, 100 block of East South Street.

Feb. 3: Theft from a building, 900 block of Kimole Lane. Sexual assault, 400 block of North Winter Street. Property damage, 500 block of Ormsby Street. Assault, 1100 block of South Main Street.

Feb. 4: Assault, 200 block of Division Street. Intimidation, 400 block of Dennis Street.

Feb. 5: Assault, 300 block of Hidden River Drive.

Feb. 6: Wire fraud, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. False pretenses, 100 block of South Madison Street. Drug violation, 700 block of Riverside Avenue.

Feb. 7: Operating while intoxicated, Northwestern Drive and West Maple Avenue.

Feb. 8: Disorderly conduct, 600 block of East Michigan Street. Operating while intoxicated, Church and Broad streets.

Feb. 9: Assault, 800 block of East Butler Street. Assault, 100 block of Pleasant Knoll Drive. Shoplifting, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Disorderly conduct, 700 block of Riverside Avenue. False pretenses, 200 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Assault, 1500 block of Stratford Drive.

Feb. 11: Assault, 200 block of Cross Street. Larceny, 500 block of South Main Street. Assault, 600 block of Springbrook Avenue. Assault, 300 block of Erie Street.

Feb. 12: Larceny, 100 block of Sand Creek Highway. Assault, 1000 block of South Main Street. Shoplifting, 4400 block of West Maumee Street. Operating while intoxicated, East Church and Tecumseh streets.

Feb. 13: Disorderly conduct, 100 block of East Maumee Street. Drug violation, 500 block of North Winter Street.

Feb. 14: Theft from a building, 1100 block of East Hunt Street.

Feb. 15: Assault, 700 block of South Main Street.

Feb. 16: Illegal credit card use, 400 block of March Drive. Identity theft, 100 block of East Butler Street. Drug violation, 1500 block of Stratford Drive.

Feb. 19: Assault, 200 block of Jordan Street. Sexual assault, 200 block of Sand Creek Highway. Identity theft, 900 block of Hillcrest Drive.

Feb. 20: Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street. Burglary and assault, 900 block of Savannah River Drive. False pretenses, 400 block of Cumberland River Drive. False pretenses, 400 block of Cherry Street. Assault, 1200 block of South Main Street.

ADRIAN TOWNSHIP

Feb. 9: Assault, 2900 block of Wisner Highway. Theft from a building, 3700 block of Hunt Road.

Feb. 19: Assault, 3100 block of Bent Oak Highway.

DOVER TOWNSHIP

Jan. 25: Assault, 6100 block of West Carleton Road.

Jan. 29: Assault, 6100 block of Plank Road. Assault, 1200 block of Seneca Highway.

Feb. 8: Burglary, 2300 block of Benner Highway.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Feb. 1: Assault, 6500 block of Feller Road.

Feb. 7: Operating while intoxicated, Wisner Highway and Kemp Road.

Feb. 9: Identity theft, 7200 block of Country Drive.

Feb. 14: Property damage, 6300 block of McIntire Court.

HUDSON TOWNSHIP

Feb. 4: Assault, Plank Road and Morey Highway.

MACON TOWNSHIP

Jan. 29: Operating while intoxicated, 10500 block of Ridge Highway.

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Jan. 21: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Jan. 22: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Jan. 24: Assault, 2100 block of East Gier Road.

Jan. 25: Burglary, 2400 block of East U.S. 223.

Jan. 25: Intimidation, 2400 block of East U.S. 223. Shoplifting and false pretenses, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Jan. 28: Burglary, 2400 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 3400 block of Treat Highway. Burglary, 2400 block of East U.S. 223.

Jan. 29: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 1: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 3: Operating while intoxicated, Gorman Road and Treat Highway.

Feb. 5: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 6: Assault, 100 block of James River Blvd.

Feb. 9: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223. Property damage, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 14: Assault, 2800 block of East Beecher Road.

Feb. 15: Larceny, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 16: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 18: Shoplifting, 1600 block of East U.S. 223.

MEDINA TOWNSHIP

Jan. 29: False pretenses, 15200 block of West Mulberry Road.

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP

Jan. 30: Assault and operating while intoxicated, 2800 block of East Maumee Street.

Jan. 31: Burglary, 3400 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 3: Property damage, 3700 block of East U.S. 223. Assault, 3400 block of East U.S. 223.

Feb. 17: Operating while intoxicated, Crockett Highway and East Gorman Road.

RAISIN TOWNSHIP

Feb. 8: Operating while intoxicated, Rogers Highway and Comfort Road.

Feb. 17: Assault, 1800 block of East Valley Road.

RIDGEWAY TOWNSHIP

Jan. 23: Assault, 8300 block of East M-50. Feb. 19: Assault, 7100 block of Ridge Highway.

RIGA TOWNSHIP

Feb. 11: Identity theft and false pretenses, 12800 block of East Horton Road.

ROLLIN TOWNSHIP

Jan. 24: Assault, 800 block of Oxford Avenue.

Feb. 5: Larceny and false pretenses, 5400 block of Pleasant Valley Road.

Feb. 7: Operating while intoxicated, Round Lake and Geneva highways.

Feb. 8: Operating while intoxicated, Rome Road and Geneva Highway.

Feb. 20: Assault, 600 block of Devils Lake Highway.

ROME TOWNSHIP

Jan. 29: Operating while intoxicated, West U.S. 223 and Rome Road.

Jan. 30: Assault, 12800 block of Rome Road.

TECUMSEH CITY

Jan. 22: Intimidation, 300 block of North Maumee Street. Assault, 300 block of North Maumee Street.

Jan. 26: Illegal credit card use, 200 block of East Chicago Blvd.

Jan. 29: Intimidation, 700 block of Brown Street. Operating while intoxicated, Shady Lane and Occidental Highway. Intimidation, 700 block of Conklin Drive.

Feb. 2: Disorderly conduct, 300 block of North Maumee Street.

Feb. 3: Property damage, 400 block of North Evans Street.

Feb. 5: Operating while intoxicated, Chicago Boulevard and Occidental Highway. Feb. 6: Assault, 500 block of Pawnee Drive. Feb. 7: Operating while intoxicated, West Russell Road and Adrian Street. Operating while intoxicated, Brown and North Union streets.

Feb. 9: Illegal credit card use, 1500 block of Wind Dancer Trail.

Feb. 10: Illegal credit card use, 1000 block of West Chicago Boulevard.

Feb. 12: False pretenses, 9100 block of North Union Street. Shoplifting, 800 block of West Chicago Boulevard.

Feb. 13: Illegal credit card use, 1000 block of West Chicago Blvd. Assault, 300 block of North Maumee Street. Property damage, 700 block of Brown Street.

Feb. 15: Assault, 200 block of West Russell Road.

Feb. 17: Larceny, 100 block of West Patterson Street.

TECUMSEH TOWNSHIP

Jan. 26: False pretenses, 9200 block of Murphy Highway.

Feb. 4: Operating while intoxicated, M-50 and Matthews Highway.

Feb. 9: False pretenses, 100 block of Wildwood Court.

WOODSTOCK TOWNSHIP

Feb. 8: Assault, 14400 block of West U.S. 223.

Feb. 11: False pretenses, 7400 block of Hillcrest Avenue.

Feb. 14: Intimidation, 5100 block of Wildwood Court.

Feb. 18: Assault, 15100 block of West U.S. 12.

IN BRIEF College launching engineering department

Docking to be chancellor; college seeks next president

ADRIAN — Adrian College announced on Feb. 23 that it will create the position of chancellor at the institution, and that current college president Jeffrey Docking will serve in that role. According to a news release, Docking will focus on strategic priorities and supporting a thoughtful, seamless transition to new executive leadership. The board of trustees will soon begin a search for the college’s next president.

Choate Marketplace honored

BROOKLYN — Choate Marketplace in Brooklyn has been recognized as a 2026 Best Small Business by the Michigan Small Business Development Center. The honor will be presented to Choate Marketplace at the 22nd annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on April 22. More information about the awards program is available at michigancelebrates.org. More information about Choate Marketplace is available at choatemarketplace.com.

Lenawee Now plans event focusing on AI for business

ADRIAN — Lenawee Now invites area employers to take part in a regional conversation on the future of artificial intelligence in business. This free session will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 3:30–5 p.m. at the Align Center for Workforce Development, 440 E. Church St., Adrian. To register for the event, go to lenaweenow.org/ai-for-business.

ADRIAN — Adrian College is seeking a full-time engineering faculty member for a newly established engineering department beginning in the fall.

The new department of engineering will offer in-person courses that fulfill requirements for six dual-degree engineering programs offered in partnership with the University of North Dakota in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering.

“We’ve watched engineering grow faster than any program launched in recent memory,” said Andrea Milner, vice president and dean of academic affairs.

“The full-time faculty member will play a central role in building a hands-on, student-centered engineering class that responds to what students are telling us they want and what employers are telling us they need.”

Lenawee Right to Life benefit dinner set for April 16

ADRIAN — Lenawee Right to Life will host its annual Focus on Life Benefit Dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at The Centre, 1800 U.S. 223, Adrian.

The guest speaker will be the Rev.

Christopher I. Thoma of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in Hartland.

Tickets for the benefit dinner are $50 per person ($30 for students), or $320 for

a table of eight. Reservations are due by April 1. For more information, contact Julie Moore, president of the Lenawee County affiliate, at 517-902-3099 or email lenaweer2l@gmail.com.

Scholarships available for trades educator workshop at SBWI

ADRIAN — The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is inviting trades educators from across Michigan and the nation to apply for scholarships covering the full cost of registration for

ADRIAN — The following programs are planned for March at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian. The center is a program of the ProMedica Ebeid Neighborhood Promise. For more information, email AdrianENP@ ProMedica.org or call 517-264-1365.

Coalition Activity Planning (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, March 2, at 5 p.m. Help shape activities that build strong relationships among neighbors, promote a positive community spirit, and provide enriching experiences for all ages.

Strength & Mobility (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Mondays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 4 p.m. This free class builds strength and stability.

its upcoming trades educator workshop, taking place from July 28-30. Scholarships are available to fully cover the $900 tuition. The workshop is designed for instructors, trainers,

Specialty Yoga for Seniors (offered by the YMCA at 801 E. Maumee St.) — Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 4 p.m. These classes are appropriate for all skill levels. This free series will continue and include new offerings. Reach Out, Stay Strong Essentials (offered by ProMedica) — Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 4 p.m. This program for mothers of newborns is an evidence-based program that teaches participants skills while providing information and resources that are needed to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Community Coalition Meeting (East Adrian Community Coalition) — Monday, March 9 from 5-6 p.m. The coalition meets the second Monday of every month.

Rent for Success (Community Action Agency) — Thursday, March 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about

supervisors, mentors, crew leads, administrators, and instructional designers working in the skilled trades. For more information, call the woodworking institute at 517-759-3070.

fair housing laws, lease agreements, tenants rights, maintenance, repairs & more. All who attend will receive a $50 stipend if pre-registered and a private budget session with CAA is completed. Registration required.

Planning Your Garden (Lenawee Conservation District) — Thursday, March 12, from 6-7 p.m. The cold days of winter are a great time to plan for warmer days. Participate in a few garden dreaming activities and discussion about your garden. Leave with new energy for what your garden can be next year.

Understanding Credit (Community Action Agency) — Tuesday, March 17, from 5:30-7 p.m. Have you ever struggled to pay your bills or get out of debt, or are not sure how to improve your credit score? This workshop will cover establishing or repairing credit and achieving financial stability.

Diaper Bank Pop-Up (Lenawee Great Start Collaborative) — Wednesday, March 18, from 4:30-6 p.m. Stop in to pick up a week’s worth of diapers. For families with children up to age 12 in Lenawee County.

Spending Plan (County National Bank) — Tuesday, March 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. Learn how to determine and evaluate monthly income and expenses, plan a budget, track spending, calculate your debt-to-income ratio and tackle debt including student loans.

Fathers of Lenawee —Tuesday, March 24 at 4 p.m. A monthly support group facilitated by De’Angelo Boone. Coffee with a Career Advisor — Wednesday, March 25 from 3:30-5 p.m. A casual opportunity to connect one-on-one with a career advisor. Ask questions, get guidance on your job search, review your resume, or explore career steps. No appointment needed.

Adrian College adjunct professor Jamie Davis answers a question from student John Lloyd during a mechanical engineering class. PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN COLLEGE

3120 North Adrian Highway, Adrian 517-265-6918 • adrianskatery.com

NEWS FROM AROUND LENAWEE COUNTY

ADRIAN

NEW FIRE CHIEF SELECTED: Anthony “AJ” Armstrong will be the city of Adrian’s new fire chief. He had been acting as chief since the retirement of former chief Aric Massingill, and has now been offered the job permanently. City administrator Chad Baugh said the city had many outstanding applicants for the job, but that he feels Armstrong was the one best suited to lead the department both today and into the future. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

CITY APPLIES FOR HOUSING FUNDS: Local housing construction and rehabilitation efforts could get a significant boost if the city of Adrian succeeds in obtaining a $1.5 million state grant that city commissioners unanimously agreed to apply for last month. City administrator Chad Baugh said the funding would come from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s MI Neighborhood Community Development Block Grant program. The money would be applied to new construction and rehabilitation of single family homes. With the city having already been awarded a recent $400,000 award from the state for home repairs, Baugh said securing the additional $1.5 million would be “an outstanding help” in efforts to improve housing in Adrian. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REMOVED: The Adrian Downtown Development Authority voted on Feb. 11 to remove Jay Marks as its director. There was one vote against the dismissal. The board approved a severance package consisting of three months’ salary. At the Feb. 16 meeting of the Adrian City Commission, city administrator Chad Baugh said the city hopes to move quickly on filling the position. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

REZONING REQUEST DENIED: Following a recommendation from the planning commission, the Adrian City Commission on Feb. 2 denied a request to rezone a house at 1212 W. Maumee St. for the purpose of operating a women’s counseling service. The planning commission said rezoning the parcel would jeopardize the residential character of the neighborhood and create a precedent that would make it hard to defend denials of similar “spot zoning” requests in the future. — LENAWEE VOICE

LANE CLOSURES ON M-52 ARE EXPECTED IN MARCH: A partial closure of M-52 for construction of the new pedestrian tunnel is expected this month. Prein & Newhof, the contractor for the project, posted an update on its website saying that a partial closure could happen during the second week of March. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes when the closure begins. Later in the spring, there will be about a week when all four lanes will be closed. Work was delayed by extreme cold at the end of January, and also by muddy conditions in February. — LENAWEE VOICE

BLISSFIELD

INERT GRENADE LEADS TO BOMB SQUAD CALL: A Michigan State Police bomb squad technician was called to a Blissfield home on Jan. 28 after a military grenade was found inside the structure. Police chief Dale Greenleaf said the technician soon determined that the grenade had previously been rendered inert and safe, and that there was no threat to the community. A relative of a deceased man who had lived at the home made the discovery. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

VENDORS SOUGHT FOR MARKET: The village of Blissfield is seeking vendors for a Farm and Handmade Market on the site of the American Farm Museum and Education Center, formerly the Hathaway House. The market will take place from 3-7 p.m. Thursdays from May 7 to Oct. 15, and the goal is to create a community-centered market that highlights local farmers and artisans. For more information, contact Laura Nichols at 419 -509-0709 or Jack Cleveland at 313-605-6065. — LENAWEE VOICE

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP: Blissfield Elementary School’s Kindergarten Roundup, at which parents can register their children for kindergarten and young fives, is on March 12. For more information, call the school at 517-486-2811. — LENAWEE VOICE

HUDSON

MOBILE SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE COMING TO SENIOR CENTER: The Secretary of State Mobile Unit will come to the Hudson Senior Center on Monday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The purpose of the mobile unit is to give people who don’t live near a Secretary of State office a convenient way to get services closer to home. The senior center is at 323 W. Main St., Hudson. — LENAWEE VOICE

MACON TWP.

TWO KILLED IN CRASH: A 17-year-old from Dearborn and his 2-year-old son were killed in a crash shortly after 6 a.m. on Feb. 18. According to sheriff’s deputies, the vehicle went off Ridge Road just north of Welch Road, striking a tree and catching on fire. The 2-year-old was secured in a child seat in the back seat of the vehicle. — LENAWEE VOICE

MORENCI

STATE FUNDING TO HELP RENOVATE DOWNTOWN BUILDING:

A long-vacant building in downtown Morenci is about to get a new lease on life. A grant from the state of Michigan’s Revitalization and Placemaking program has been awarded to help rehabilitate and renovate the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St. Local accountant Brent Shea plans to move his offices into the ground floor and put two apartments on the upper floor. The grant will cover $464,100 of the roughly $1.3 million cost to rehabilitate the vacant building. — MORENCI ADVOCATE

TECUMSEH

BUDGETING ERROR CAUSES HEADACHE FOR TECUMSEH

SCHOOLS: The Tecumseh school district’s finances are taking a significant hit this fiscal year, as a number of recently discovered budget-related errors mean there will no longer be a surplus at the end of the fiscal year as the school board had been expecting. Instead, the district will have to pull almost $365,000 out of its savings to cover a number of expenses that should have been included in the spending plan but never were. The problems came to light following a budget review by Tecumseh’s interim business services director, who told the board in late January that nearly $1.2 million in expenses were left out of the budget. Fortunately, school officials said Tecumseh has enough money on hand to cover the shortfall.

— LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

NO DECISION YET ON HERRICK PARK SCHOOL: A month after the closing of the sale of the former Patterson Elementary School in Tecumseh to an area businessman who intends to convert it into apartments and build homes elsewhere on the property, the Tecumseh school board has made no decision yet on the potential sale of Herrick Park Elementary School, although at least two offers are pending. The district sold the Patterson building and property for $150,000 and has received a $125,000 offer from Family Counseling and Children’s Services, which would like to move the Catherine Cobb domestic violence shelter there. However, the school board has made no decision on the offer, with officials saying another party is also interested in buying the Herrick Park property. — LOCAL BUZZ RADIO

SPRING CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW: The Tecumseh Parks and Recreation department will hold its annual Spring Craft and Vendor Show on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Spring Craft and Vendor Show has been a staple at the AJ Smith Rec Center since 2014. “We’re excited to offer this show again this year. We look forward to seeing between 400 and 600 people that day,” said operations manager Ashley Gomez-Carpenter. Over 60 booths will fill both gyms at the recreation center for the fair, and it will include items like pottery, blankets, jewelry, bath soaps, home baked goods and woodworking. The entrance fee is $2. — LENAWEE VOICE

CITY SEEKS INPUT ON RECREATION PLAN: The Tecumseh Parks and Recreation Department is seeking input for its next five-year recreation plan. The plan will focus on city parks as well as the AJ Smith Recreation Center. Two public forums are scheduled at the Recreation Center at 810 N. Evans St.: Monday, March 30 from 6-7p.m., and Tuesday, March 31 from 10-11a.m. A survey is available online at forms.gle/ud3M3yzVLJT7RSXZ6 and paper copies are available at the recreation center. — LENAWEE VOICE

A state grant will assist in the renovation of the former hardware store at 148 W. Main St. in downtown Morenci.

Vendor Martha Putt prepares her custom woodworking art during last year’s Spring Craft and Vendor Show in Tecumseh.

Lenawee County girls basketball teams head into postseason with big ambitions

By Ryan McDowell The Lenawee Voice

As postseason play begins for Michigan girls basketball, several Lenawee County teams are setting their sights on a trip to the Breslin Center.

Three of those teams — Tecumseh, Blissfield and Morenci — were ranked in the Top 10 in their Michigan High School Athletic Association divisions as of Feb. 16. Tecumseh was ranked third in Division 2, Blissfield was ranked fourth in Division 3, and Morenci was ranked second in Division 4.

District play begins on March 2.

The matchups

Five Lenawee County schools have girls basketball teams that will enter their district tournament as a No. 1 seed. Tecumseh, Blissfield, Hudson, Morenci and Lenawee Christian each hold the highest Michigan Power Ratings in their respective districts.

Division 2 — District 52 at Dundee High School: Tecumseh will play the winner of the Ida/Dundee game on March 4 at 5:30 p.m. Madison is the No. 2 seed and will play the winner of Adrian/ Milan at 7 p.m.

Division 3 — District 83 at Onsted High School: Blissfield will play the winner of the Clinton/Sand Creek game (March 2, 7 p.m.) on March 4 at 5:30 p.m. Onsted will play Columbia Central on March 4 at 7 p.m. This could set up a rematch between Blissfield and Columbia Central for a district championship. District 81 at Quincy High School: Hudson will await the winner of Quincy/Hillsdale, and if they make the district finals they’ll play either Jonesville or Homer. District 83 and 81 champs could meet in the Region 21 Final at Jackson Lumen Christi High School.

Division 4 — District 121 at Jackson Christian High School: Morenci will play Addison on March 4 at 5:30 p.m., and will face either Pittsford or Jackson Christian if they advance to the final. District 122 at Summerfield High School: Lenawee Christian will take on the winner of the Britton Deerfield/Ann Arbor Central Academy game at 5:30 p.m. on March 4. If Morenci and Lenawee Christian both

advance far enough, they could meet again in the Region 31 Championship at Summerfield High School.

Two in a row for Tecumseh?

The Tecumseh Varsity Girls Basketball team entered the season with four major goals and they checked off the first by securing an outright SEC

championship with a win over Ypsilanti Lincoln on Feb. 17.

The defending Division 2 state champs will start chewing away at the next goal, a district title, on March 2 when district tournaments begin.

Tecumseh has had only two losses this season. One was a two-point loss to Grand Rapids West Catholic, last year’s

Morenci’s Emersyn Bachelder looks for an open teammate during a Feb. 6 home game against Sand Creek, which the Bulldogs won 55-13. Bachelder, one of a corps of strong senior leaders for Morenci, scored her 1,000th career point earlier this season.

KATHERINE SIMPKINS/LENAWEE VOICE

Division 2 state runner-up, and the other was to Cincinnati West Clermont (Ohio) at the Classic in the Country.

Coach Kristy Zajac mentioned prior to the season how a loss to Rockford last year was a tipping point for the team and helped them realize how much tougher they needed to be to make it all the way. They delivered a state championship soon thereafter.

So it’s no surprise that Zajac sees both losses this year as learning opportunities for her squad.

“I think losing to West Catholic really helped us more than it hurt us,” she said. “We found some weaknesses in our game and found things that needed to improve.”

“We weren’t where we needed to be as far as conditioning and rebounding. Those two things we have really concentrated on since that loss,” she said.

See GIRLS BASKETBALL, page A12

Tecumseh’s Makayla Schlorf battles to get the ball past Adrian’s Ella Salenbien during a Feb. 6 game at Adrian. Schlorf, a senior, was Tecumseh’s top perimeter shooter during the regular season. KATHERINE SIMPKINS/LENAWEE VOICE

Chad O’Brien named Region 6 Athletic Director of the Year

By Erik Gable The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — “You have to realize that you’re always setting a standard in our position.”

That’s how Chad O’Brien, athletic director at Adrian High School, views the obligation that comes along with being a teacher and coach.

O’Brien, who has been in his current role since 2021, was recently named Region 6 Athletic Director of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

A graduate of Lake Orion High School, O’Brien first came to Lenawee County as a student at Adrian College, where he played football for Jim Lyall. It was during his freshman year that he first got involved with Maple athletics — by assisting Dennis Fox in the wrestling program.

In 2002, upon graduating from Adrian College, he became Onsted High School’s head wrestling coach. He spent a few years in Florida, then returned to Michigan.

A social studies teacher, he put in a few stints at Adrian, but his most recent job before becoming the Maples’ athletic director was at Saline High School, from 2016 to 2021, where he served as a teacher, offensive coordinator, and head wrestling coach.

He has also continued to be involved with the Adrian College football program over the years.

Taking on the athletic director’s job at Adrian was a homecoming for O’Brien. He and his wife, Amy, have two children — Ashlynn and Allston — who both attend Adrian Public Schools.

He enjoys getting to be a mentor for Adrian kids.

“The interaction with the kids — that’s what it’s about,” he said.

And through athletics, O’Brien noted, he’s able to interact with students in a different way than being in the classroom.

Being a positive role model is something he takes seriously, knowing that students will follow the lead of the adults around them.

“If they see us not staying calm and collected, and overreacting to things, that’s what they’re going to do,” he said.

“We preach to them about integrity and character, and we have to exemplify that by out actions.”

Outside of the Maple community, O’Brien is an active member of the MHSAA’s Southeastern Conference Athletic Directors group, and serves as president of the Lenawee County Wrestling Board. He also serves on MHSAA committees for wrestling, cheer, and gymnastics.

Adrian High School principal Sam Skeels described O’Brien this way: “Above all, what impresses me about Chad is that he is a generous and caring person. ... He has the ability to be tough, caring, funny, and professional all at the same time.”

Chad O’Brien, athletic director at Adrian High School, was recently named Region 6 Athletic Director of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. ERIK GABLE/LENAWEE VOICE

Blissfield’s Hope Miller earns MHSAA scholar-athlete award

BLISSFIELD — The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced in February that Hope Miller, a senior at Blissfield High School, is the recipient of one of this year’s MHSAA/ Farm Bureau

Insurance scholarathlete awards.

Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 37th year of sponsoring the award, will give $2,000 college scholarships to 32 students statewide. Ten students were chosen to represent MHSAA’s Class C and D member schools.

According to the announcement from MHSAA, Miller ran four seasons of cross country, is playing her second of varsity basketball, and will compete in her fourth season of varsity track and field this spring. She also played two seasons of varsity soccer.

She earned all-state in cross country three times and set a school record in that sport, earned all-state for two seasons in track and set school records in two races, and earned all-league in soccer. She also helped the basketball team to league and district titles.

Outside of sports, she is active in National Honor Society and student council. She is a member of the Lenawee Youth Council and founded the school newspaper, also serving as editor. In college, she plans to study ecology or environmental sciences.

Resilience and recovery

Clinton’s Bryce Randolph overcomes injury to play in his senior football season and break the 150-win mark in wrestling

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

CLINTON — Clinton senior Bryce Randolph overcame a serious injury en route to a career milestone on the squared circle.

Over Memorial Day weekend, he broke his femur while riding a dirt bike on his family’s 40-acre farm. The University of Michigan Mott’s Children’s Hospital admitted him, and he underwent a four-hour operation as doctors and medical staff surgically placed a 9mm titanium rod and screws in his injured leg.

“I don’t compete in a spring sport, but the injury still had a major impact on the last month of my school year,” said Randolph, who ended up missing the remaining days of school while recovering at home.

As he looked toward his final year of high school and the last months of competition in football and wrestling, Randolph faced an uncertain future.

“I wasn’t sure how long it would take to get back to full strength or whether I’d be ready for football or wrestling,” he said. “It took a lot of patience and commitment to stay focused on the recovery process.”

His father, Clinton varsity wrestling coach Casey Randolph, said his heart ached for Bryce throughout the injury and rehabilitation period as he struggled to run as he did before the accident.

“He is also looking better and better after breaking his femur on Memorial

Day,” Casey Randolph added. “He is bracing his knee, but he has had some great wins this year already.”

But it was the first one on Dec. 3 that set the tone for the 2025-2026 season.

Bryce only needed a minute and 24 seconds for his 150th win. He dominated Tecumseh’s Cruz Torres in a 175-pound match with the first-period pin for the milestone.

“The way he has worked, overcome, and dealt with adversity has been amazing,” his father said. “He found a way to overcome and still achieve many things. He is tough and resilient.”

The pin was a huge accomplishment for Bryce.

“After everything I went through with the injury, it felt like proof that all the work, patience, and setbacks were worth it,” he said.

“As his father, it fills me with gratitude and pride to watch him achieve goals and milestones such as winning 150 matches in high school,” Casey Randolph said of Bryce, who is 52-2 this season. “It puts him in an elite club that is very difficult to achieve.”

Not only is it an elite club at the high school level, but also in the Randolph family.

Casey Randolph graduated from Hudson High School in 1993. He posted

See RANDOLPH, page A15

Madison, Sand Creek mark 25th anniversary of co-op wrestling program

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

MADISON TWP. — One high school had a reputation as a wrestling powerhouse, while the other just wanted to start a program.

The Madison-Sand Creek cooperative wrestling program emerged 25 years ago with one high school focused on preserving its history and the other on creating its own identity.

When Kris Isom became Madison’s athletic director in 1986, there was no

wrestling team. “I was very surprised as Madison had been a powerhouse in the ’70s with their wrestling program,” she said.

Former coach Gail Shinall led Madison to Class D state championships in 1974, ’75, ’76, ’77, and ’79. When Shinall left for Siena Heights and its wrestling program in 1983, the program suffered due to a lack of interest and participants.

Eventually, wrestling returned at Madison during the 1987-88 season under the guidance of Pat Boss. But the program’s numbers still fluctuated.

Meanwhile, Sand Creek sought an identity of its own in wrestling. The Aggies had no program, and it was not until several students approached the school board about starting a team that it came about.

“The co-op program was talked about originally in 1998 with very informal discussions with our coach at the time, Charlie Evans, and with Steve Laundra from Sand Creek,” Isom said.

Each school held discussions with its administration, community, and student-athletes.

“Once we had a feel of what each school wanted to do, we proposed it to our Boards of Education at each school,” Isom said.

After each board approved the cooperative program, Isom said the districts reached out to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, which requires districts to be a cooperative for two years and then go from there.

Chris Harvey, who assisted Evans at Madison and eventually became the

See WRESTLING, page A12

Clinton wrestler Bryce Randolph, with his parents Laurie and Casey, celebrates his 150th win on Dec. 3.

Hope Miller

Adrian’s Stevie Elam makes his mark at UW-Milwaukee

By Jeffrey R. Plum The Lenawee Voice

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Adrian

High School’s Jordan Kelly has been fortunate enough to watch Stevie Elam grow up in Adrian and become the young man he is today.

“I had the pleasure of knowing Stevie from the time he was really young,” Kelly said. “He was a student at Lincoln Elementary in Adrian, where I was a teacher.”

Kelly had him in class in first grade, in fourth grade, and then again in seventh grade.

“I was lucky enough to get to watch Stevie ‘grow up’ in a sense,” Kelly said. “Even from the time at Lincoln Elementary, you could tell that he was going to be special.

“You could see the talent he had, and he always had either a football or a basketball in his hand wherever he went,” Kelly continued.

“On top of that, he was a leader among his classmates,” Kelly said. “He was someone that everyone wanted to follow and be like.”

When Elam stepped foot on the Adrian High School basketball court as a freshman in the fall of 2021, his world changed.

It was a change for the better.

“He was always the hardest worker, a great teammate and leader, and he was coachable,” Kelly said. “When you combine those things with the talent he had, you get a very special player.”

Elam graduated as Lenawee County’s and Adrian’s all-time leading scorer with 2,112 career points, but surprisingly, he was also the Maples’ all-time rebounder as a 6-foot-3 guard.

“Not only was he a phenomenal scorer, but he was a tenacious rebounder,” said Kelly, who coached Elam during his four-year career. “He became the school’s all-time leading rebounder last season, which is pretty impressive for a guard.”

Elam is the son of Grady and Amy Elam, both of whom were also athletes. Grady played football at Eastern Michigan University, while Amy ran track at Siena Heights University.

Stevie Elam, an Adrian High School graduate who’s now a freshman on the basketball team at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, is pictured during a Jan. 15 game against Oakland. PHOTO COURTESY OF UW-MILWAUKEE

LAND & WATER

This page is dedicated to coverage of agriculture, the environment, and the intersection between the two.

To suggest story ideas, please email news@lenaweevoice.com.

Breakfast with a Farmer set for April 4 in Hudson

HUDSON — Lenawee County Farm Bureau wants to give people an opportunity to learn more about where their food comes from.

To that end, the organization will host an event called Breakfast with a Farmer, which will take place from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Main Street Perk, 211 W. Main St., Hudson.

When participants register, they can choose from several tables, each led by a farmer who will talk about a different aspect of agriculture in Lenawee County.

Topics will include dairy farming, floriculture, row cropping, pork farming, pesticides, farmstand operations, and young people in agriculture. About a dozen topics will be offered.

Participants will also enjoy a “farm to fork” breakfast provided by Hart’s Local and Main Street Perk.

Theresa Shoemaker, county administrative manager for the Farm Bureau, said anyone who’s curious about how things work in agriculture is welcome to attend.

She said the goal is for attendees to gain a better understanding of how farms work, and also the passion that Lenawee County farmers have for agriculture and for the community.

To register for the event, go to zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/breakfast-with-a-farmer.

Learn the skill of seed saving at the Lenawee District Library

ADRIAN — Award-winning author and herbalist Bevin Cohen will present a program on the art of seed saving at the Lenawee District Library on Tuesday, March 31 from 6–7 p.m.

Attendees will learn how to save the seeds from flowers, vegetables and herbs. Using a combination of engaging demonstrations, discussion, and lecture, Cohen will guide plant lovers through multiple seed saving techniques so they are able to use this year’s harvest for next year’s gardens.

There is no cost to attend the event, and it is for ages 18 and up.

Cohen is also the host of the popular podcast “Seeds & Weeds.” When he’s not presenting at libraries, conferences, and more across the country, he works with his wife and sons at their family homestead in Sanford called Small House Farm, where they harvest produce and create all-natural wellness products.

Copies of his books will be available for purchase, including “The Artesian Herbalist.”

For more information, call the library at 517-263-1011. The main branch of the Lenawee District Library is located at 4459 West U.S. 223 in Adrian.

Lenawee Lifelong Learning is an educational program for adults offering classes on a wide variety of topics.

Knowledgeable instructors donate their time and expertise. There are no tests, no papers and no grades – only fun and learning!

April semester classes and tour include the following:

Classes: Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away; Gardening in Raised Beds and Containers; Hidden Lake Gardens; the Lenawee Conservation District; American Farm Museum and Education Center; Psychology; Meet Fiza – Pakistan Exchange Student; German POW’s in Lenawee; You Can Be an Artist – Learn Watercolor and Acrylic Techniques; The Supreme Court; Poetry; Astronomy 101

Tour: Pop-Up Holocaust Museum 136 E. Maumee Street, Downtown Adrian

SPRING SEMESTER CLASSES WILL MEET ON FOUR TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS IN APRIL AT THE WEBER CENTER.

FOR COMPLETE CLASS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION OUR WEBSITE LENAWEELIFELONGLEARNING.ORG

FOR COMPLETE CLASS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE LENAWEELIFELONGLEARNING.ORG

Bevin Cohen will speak about seed saving on March 31 at the main branch of the Lenawee District Library.

from page A7

“Heading down to the Classic in the Country was a great experience for our kids, especially our freshmen,” Zajac noted of that Jan. 19 game. “Being able to play in a packed, loud gym in front of a lot of college coaches gave them some experience that they needed.”

She sees her team rounding into form at the right time, with nearly every starter averaging in double figures.

“We have multiple players who can step up on any given night,” she said.

The team will look to Addi Zajac (13.7 points per game, 10.8 rebounds per game) to continue to set the tone physically and help open up the offense for Tecumseh from the interior.

“Addi has been a double-double machine for us all season long,” the coach said. “She consistently commands double and even triple teams every night, yet does an excellent job staying poised and kicking the ball out to shooters.”

One of those shooters is Makayla Schlorf (12.1 ppg) who is Tecumseh’s top perimeter shooter. “She stretches defenses with her range and basketball IQ,” the coach said of her senior guard. Schlorf is currently dealing with a knee injury but is hoping to be back for districts.

Senior floor general Chloe Bullinger (9.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.9 assists per game, 3 steals per game) is the glue that holds everything together. “She runs our offense, distributes the ball at a high level and plays with tremendous composure,” Zajac said. “Her leadership and decisionmaking are invaluable.”

Freshmen Avery Zajac (11.7 ppg) and Delaney Brown (9.8 ppg) bring versatility on both ends of the floor.

“Avery can score inside and out, rebounds extremely well and forces defenses to extend,” the coach said.

“Delaney is our best on-ball defender,” she said. “Her energy and competitiveness elevate our entire team.”

Blissfield answers the challenge

The 2025-26 Blissfield girls varsity basketball team entered the season with a tremendous amount of pressure to perform, and head coach Ryan Gilbert is proud of the way they’ve answered the challenge.

Wrestling from page A9

first head coach at Sand Creek, said the school districts wanted to establish strong numbers and create a sport that student-athletes wanted to be part of at their respective high schools.

“The goal was to build one team with good numbers, and once [we achieved that goal], both teams would go their own way,” said Harvey. “For the most part, it seemed to be a smooth transition to a great partnership.”

Elam from page A10

“He worked hard and earned it all from a very young age,” Kelly said. “I am just glad that I got to be a part of his story.”

Now, Elam is continuing his story at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

“It’s been great, just learning the game from guys that have been here for multiple years,” Elam said of his UWMilwaukee teammates.

Blissfield’s Leigh Wyman looks for an open teammate to pass the ball to during a Feb. 17 home game against Madison. KATHERINE SIMPKINS/LENAWEE VOICE

“You come into a season where the previous three to four years the group has won 20-plus games, LCAA championships, district titles, a regional title, went to the Breslin Center and now it’s up to you to keep it going,” Gilbert explained.

“We lost some pretty key pieces last year, so we heard the chatter that maybe you’re not as good, this is the year someone knocks us off, etc.”

It seems the outside noise has had little effect on the Lady Royals as they have secured their fourth straight LCAA championship.

Blissfield has won 13 straight games since a Jan. 6 loss to Tecumseh. The only other loss came in early December to a skilled Columbia Central squad. That

Once the cooperative program became a reality, Evans and Harvey were equal coaches, working with Isom and Laundra, who fully supported their coaches.

“The kids were good about bonding as a team, even though they were rivals in other sports in the [Tri-County Conference],” Harvey said.

The program worked because of the two coaches who helmed their teams.

“Both men complemented each other and did a tremendous job working through the newness of the program and how to navigate two rival schools now becoming one,” Isom said.

“I’m just playing the game I love and getting better every day,” he added.

Since arriving in Milwaukee, Elam has had eight starts in 21 games with the Panthers. He scored a career-high 22 points against Horizon League opponent Detroit Mercy on Feb. 20, and he netted 21 points against Cleveland State in another Horizon League game on Feb. 1.

Despite missing six weeks of the season with a foot injury, Elam has flourished under Coach Bart Lundy and his staff at UW-Milwaukee.

Morenci on a roll

The Morenci girls will enter 2026 postseason play as one of the top-ranked teams in Division 4.

The Lady Bulldogs secured their fourth straight TCC championship with a win at Whiteford, moving them to 19-1 on the year. Their only loss on the way to that record came in a non-league matchup with Columbia Central.

“Going into the season, we knew Columbia Central would likely be the toughest game on our schedule,” head coach Ashley Joughin said. “We had a tight game last season and were willing to pull it out but knew they were returning their entire team.”

“We didn’t have our best night but when you’re chasing a state title and have that as a goal, you can’t afford to have rough nights against good teams,” she said. “We also knew that Lenawee Christian and Summerfield would be tough in our league.”

Morenci handled both teams convincingly the first time through the schedule, but had to play through tighter contests the second time around.

“We will also likely see one of them in a regional matchup if we win our district, so tightening up on them defensively will be important for us,” Joughin said.

Morenci’s decorated senior class will have one last chance to make it to Breslin, including Emersyn Bachelder (17.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.4 spg), who scored her 1,000th career point earlier this season, and Evelyn Joughin (9 ppg, 5.9 apg, 3.5 spg), who broke the school record for career assists.

loss was a “grind-it-out type of game,” Gilbert said.

Blissfield and Columbia Central could find themselves in a rematch for the district title.

Blissfield will look for Leigh Wyman (14 ppg, 5 apg, 6 rpg) and DeMya Gibbons (9 ppg, 9 rpg) to continue to fill the stat sheet, as well as AnnMarie Scharer (8 ppg, 3 apg) to lead the attack from the perimeter along with Kaleea Braun (8 ppg).

“Over the past two to three weeks we have really been playing our best basketball, especially at the defensive end,” Gilbert said. “Sometimes our offense doesn’t always come with us, but we have done enough at the defensive end to continue winning games.”

Evans and Harvey showed patience during the early days as student-athletes learned proper wrestling techniques and developed an interest in the sport.

“After six years of being combined, our numbers started to grow,” Harvey said of the Madison/Sand Creek team.

“Both programs were able to develop successful youth programs with the support of great parents from both schools.”

But that growth would not be there today without Evans and Harvey.

“Charlie Evans was a great coach, but an even better human being,” Isom said

He currently averages 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting .342 (38-for-111) from 3-point range and .881 (37-of-42) from the freethrow line.

“First of all, he just provides good positional size, which we really need with all the injuries [we have had],” Lundy said of Elam.

“His shooting stretches the floor for us and opens up the offensive side of the ball.”

The same traits that propelled Elam at Adrian High School attracted the attention of Lundy and associate coach

Junior Colbie Ekins (12.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg) will continue to provide the physicality in the paint.

Morenci has fallen in the quarterfinals the past two seasons, but with four returning starters (three of them seniors) from last year’s team, this is the most experienced squad the Lady Bulldogs have had. They’ve also improved in a crucial offensive category.

“I think outside shooting for the past few years has been a weaker point for us,” Joughin stated.

“In the summer and offseason, we worked more on that and our guards shoot a little more confidently from the outside now and have better percentages than they have the past few seasons.”

of Evans, who died in 2018. “He had a heart of gold. Charlie was a soft-spoken man who cared about each and every wrestler as if they were his own.

“I cannot say enough about Charlie Evans and what he did to promote wrestling not only for Madison, but for the sport, in general.”

The growth of the program did what it sought to do during its short time in existence: re-establish one wrestling program and create opportunities for another one.

“I would say that our co-op has been a success for both programs,” Harvey said.

Jose Winston, who recruited Elam to the Panther program.

“He has gotten progressively better defensively, and he’s absolutely amazing on the glass, “ Lundy said of Elam’s ability to get missed shots for the Panthers.

Elam is the type of player that teammates want to be around, and that’s what the Milwaukee program needs on the basketball court, Lundy said.

“It’s amazing,” Elam said of getting the chance to play Division I basketball. It’s been a dream come true. I love it.”

NOTICIAS LOCALES

Nuevo Jefe de Bomberos seleccionado

ADRIAN — Anthony “AJ” Armstrong será el nuevo Jefe de Bomberos de la Ciudad de Adrian. Se desempeñaba como jefe desde la jubilación del exjefe Aric Massingill, y ahora se le ha ofrecido el puesto de forma permanente. El Administrador de la Ciudad, Chad Baugh, dijo que la ciudad tenía muchos postulantes destacados para el puesto, pero que siente que Armstrong era el más adecuado para dirigir el departamento tanto hoy como en el futuro.

Se

esperan cierres

de carriles en el M-52 en marzo

ADRIAN — Un cierre parcial de el M-52 para la construcción del nuevo túnel peatonal se espera en marzo. Prein & Newhof, el contratista del proyecto, publicó una actualización en su sitio web diciendo que un cierre parcial podría ocurrir durante la segunda semana de marzo. El tráfico se reducirá a dos carriles al comenzar el cierre. Más adelante en la primavera, se cerrarán los cuatro carriles durante aproximadamente una semana.

Los trabajos se retrasaron por el frío extremo de finales de enero y también por las condiciones fangosas en febrero.

El Director de Desarrollo del Centro fue despedido

ADRIAN — La Autoridad de Desarrollo del Centro de Adrian votó el 11 de febrero a favor de destituir a Jay Marks como director. El único voto en contra provino del miembro de la junta, Josh Roth. El comité aprobó un paquete de indemnización consistente en tres meses de salario.

CALENDARIO DEL CENTRO EBEID PARA MARZO

ADRIAN — Los siguientes programas educativos y reuniones comunitarias se llevarán a cabo en marzo en el Centro Ebeid (Ebeid Center), en el 801 este de la calle Maumee (801 E. Maumee St.), Adrian. Las clases se ofrecen en inglés a menos que aparezca una opción en español. Es posible que haya intérpretes disponibles para algunas clases si es que se necesita. Para realizar alguna consulta, envíe un correo electrónico a AdrianENP@ProMedica.org o llame al 517-264-1365.

Fuerza y Movilidad (ofrecida por la YMCA) — los lunes, 2, 9,16, 23 y 30 de marzo, 4 p.m. Esta clase gratuita fortalece y fortalece la estabilidad. Te moverás con más libertad tras esta dinámica clase de cuerpo entero que combina entrenamiento de fuerza

Aceptamos envíos de noticias locales en inglés o en español. La fecha límite de cada artículo es el día 15 del mes anterior. Las noticias pueden ser enviadas por correo electrónico a news@lenaweevoice.com.

Exposición sobre el Holocausto se exhibe en Adrian

Articulo original por Erik Gable Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

ADRIAN — Un museo temporal sobre el Holocausto estará en exhibición en el Centro de Adrian del 3 de marzo al 26 de abril.

El museo está ubicado en 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 6. Está dentro de la Galería de Tiendas, y la entrada está inmediatamente al oeste de la entrada principal de la Galería de Tiendas.

Los horarios de la exposición son de lunes a viernes de 11 am a 6 pm y los sábados de 11 am a 5 pm. También se pueden organizar visitas en grupo.

El museo incluye una exposición itinerante organizada por el Centro del Holocausto Zekelman en Farmington Hills, combinada con exhibiciones locales.

La exhibición itinerante es un nuevo programa para el Centro del Holocausto Zekelman, y Adrian es sólo el segundo lugar que la albergará.

Las exhibiciones locales fueron ensambladas por Bob Behnke, educador jubilado y Comisionado de la Ciudad de Adrian y su esposo, Will Camp. Contaron con la ayuda de varios voluntarios, así como de miembros de la comunidad que aportaron artículos para la exhibición.

Las ventanas frente al espacio están llenas de fotografías que muestran la vida cotidiana de los residentes judíos de Alemania y los países vecinos antes de que los nazis llegaran al poder.

Grandes paneles cuentan la historia del ascenso de Hitler al poder, su uso de propaganda antisemita y las

Sheri Reeves Bleam y Bob Behnke revisan documentos que pertenecieron a la madre de Bleam, Helene Riegler. Los papeles documentan el trabajo forzado de Riegler en Austria durante la ocupación nazi.

herramientas que utilizaron los nazis para asesinar sistemáticamente a judíos y otras víctimas.

Una sección del museo describe los diferentes grupos que fueron blanco de los nazis. Además de los judíos, estos grupos incluían a personas homosexuales y transgénero, testigos de Jehová, disidentes políticos, personas con discapacidad y los romaníes y sintis, a menudo llamados gitanos. Las reproducciones de artículos del Adrian Daily Telegram permitirán a los visitantes del museo ver lo que los residentes del Condado de Lenawee en ese momento habrían sabido sobre el Holocausto a través de relatos escritos.

Los visitantes también pueden aprender sobre los prisioneros de guerra alemanes que estuvieron retenidos en un campo cerca de Blissfield y sobre el impacto de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en la comunidad hispana de Adrian. Los objetos de la exposición incluyen documentos que le pertenecieron a Helene Riegler, ciudadana austriaca que pasó un año realizando trabajos forzados bajo el régimen nazi. Estos materiales fueron prestados a la exposición por su hija, Sheri Reeves Bleam, quien vive en Adrian. En el espacio también se ofrecerán diversas clases. Para obtener más información, visite adriandiversityeventfund.org.

En Michigan pueden denunciar la mala conducta de agentes federales

Traducido por Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares

LANSING — En respuesta a los informes de violencia y otras conductas indebidas por parte de las autoridades federales de inmigración, la Fiscal General de Michigan, Dana Nessel, lanzó un formulario en línea que los residentes pueden usar para documentar encuentros con agentes federales. Nessel anunció la nueva iniciativa el 4 de febrero, después de que dos manifestantes fueran asesinados a tiros por agentes federales en Minneapolis.

funcional con ejercicios de movilidad para mejorar la salud articular, la fuerza, la flexibilidad y el control. Yoga para Personas Mayores (ofrecida por la YMCA) — los martes, 3, 10, 17, 24 y 31 de marzo, 4 p.m. Estas clases son adecuadas para todos los niveles de habilidad. Esta serie gratuita continuará e incluirá nuevas propuestas. R.O.S.E. (ofrecido por ProMedica) — los jueves, 5,12,19 y 26 de marzo, 4 p.m. Contacta, mantente fuerte, esenciales para madres de recién nacidos es un programa basado en la evidencia que enseña habilidades a los participantes mientras proporciona información y recursos necesarios para reducir el riesgo de depresión posparto. Reunión de la Coalición Comunitaria (Coalición de East Adrian) — el lunes, 9 de marzo, 5-6 p.m. La Coalición se reúne el segundo lunes de cada mes. Deje que se escuche su voz y contribuya a la conversación sobre cómo los residentes pueden impactar a su comunidad.

Además de estos asesinatos, se han recibido numerosas quejas sobre el uso excesivo de la fuerza por parte de agentes de inmigración y de aduanas fronterizas. En un incidente, un inmigrante hmong, quien además es un ciudadano estadounidense, fue obligado a salir de su casa a punta de pistola en un clima helado, vestido únicamente con ropa interior, unas sandalias y una manta. El gobierno admitió posteriormente que se trató de un caso de identidad equivocada. Agentes también han sido sorprendidos haciendo declaraciones

Alquiler para el exito (por Community Action Agency) — el jueves, 12 de marzo, 5:30-7 p.m. Conozca las leyes de vivienda justa, los contratos de arrendamiento, los derechos de los inquilinos, el mantenimiento, las reparaciones y más. Estipendio de $50 si pre-registras y completas una sesión de presupuesto privado con CAA. Planificando tu Jardín (por el Distrito de Conservación Lenawee) — el jueves, 12 de marzo, 6-7 p.m. Los días fríos del invierno son un momento ideal para planificar días más cálidos. Comprender el Crédito (por Community Action Agency) — el martes, 17 de marzo, 5:30-7 p.m. ¿Alguna vez has tenido dificultades para pagar tus facturas, salir de deudas o no sabes cómo mejorar tu puntuación crediticia? Aprende aspectos importantes de la Ley de Información Justa de Crédito, cómo establecer o reparar tu crédito y alcanzar estabilidad financiera y autosuficiencia.

Pop-up del Banco de Pañales (Lenawee Great Start Collaborative) —

falsas sobre sus acciones en múltiples ocasiones, a menudo afirmando haber sido atacados cuando la evidencia en video muestra que no fue así.

El nuevo formulario de reporte permite a los residentes cargar fotografías y videos para ser revisados por la oficina del fiscal general.

Nessel dijo que esto permitirá a su oficina investigar cualquier acusación de mala conducta.

Se puede acceder al formulario en www.michigan.gov/ag/news/ federal-actions-tracker.

el miércoles, 18 de marzo, 4:30-6 p.m. ¿Necesitas pañales? Pásate a recoger pañales para una semana.  Este mes también colaboraremos con WIC, que estará presente con orientación sobre la inscripción y otros recursos útiles. Para familias con niños de 0 a 12 años en el condado de Lenawee.

Plan de Gastos (por Community Actin Agency) — el martes, 24 de marzo, 5:30-7 p.m. Aprende a ser más organizado, a determinar y evaluar los ingresos y gastos mensuales, planificar un presupuesto, controlar los gastos, calcular tu ratio deuda-ingresos y abordar la deuda, incluidos los préstamos estudiantiles. Café Con un Asesor Profesional — el miércoles, 25 de marzo, 3:30-5 p.m. Únete a esta oportunidad informal y de entrada para conectar uno a uno con un Asesor de Carrera. Haz preguntas, recibe orientación en tu búsqueda de empleo, revisa tu currículum o explora tus próximos pasos profesionales. No hace falta cita — simplemente pásate y empieza la conversación.

Former pastor sentenced for abuse

ADRIAN — A former pastor was sentenced on Feb. 6 for the sexual abuse of several young boys. Michael Ronald Goble, 77, was ordered to serve between 10 and 15 years in prison.

Goble was arrested in July 2024 after a 12-year-old boy, who had been at Goble’s home to do some yard work, told his mother that Goble had pulled his pants down and touched him inappropriately. The boy’s older brother then reported that Goble had done the same to him a few years earlier.

COURT

During the subsequent investigation, more survivors came forward, including some who stated that they were abused by Goble during one-on-one prayer sessions while they were lodged at the Maurice Spear juvenile detention facility. He was the pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd.

The Adrian Police Department issued a statement saying that Goble’s sentence “far exceeded the range of imprisonment set forth by current Michigan Sentencing Guidelines and demonstrates the 39th Circuit Court’s reasonableness and willingness to consider the full totality of circumstances surrounding the harm caused by Goble to our community.”

Similar charges against Goble are pending in West Monroe, Louisiana.

FORMER FCA COACH SENTENCED: A former Fellowship of Christian Athletes youth soccer coach who had directed a soccer program through Lenawee Christian Ministries was sentenced in February to up to 75 years in prison for sexually abusing an underage player between 2014 and 2017. Andrew Olnhausen, 39, was convicted in a jury trial last summer. His attorney told the court he will be filing a motion asking for a new trial.

TEEN SENTENCED FOR SHOOTING MOTHER’S BOYFRIEND: A 19-year-old man who pleaded no contest in November in the 2023 shooting death of his mother’s boyfriend more than two years ago has been sentenced to 12 to 50 years in prison. Trenton Berry was charged with killing Kirk Stubbins while the two were hunting in Rollin Township.

FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENT PLEADS GUILTY: A former Customs and Border Patrol agent from Monroe County, who was arrested last summer in a sting operation, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17 to receiving child pornography. The FBI said Harry Peless III, 51, of Newport sent almost-daily sexual messages to an agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. Sentencing is set for June.

The murder trial of Dale Warner was ongoing as of our press deadline. Our nature as a monthly publication makes it difficult for us to meaningfully cover a trial while it is in progress. We recommend that readers refer to our news partner, Local Buzz Radio; to WLEN 103.9; or to The Tecumseh Herald for ongoing coverage.

BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Group tours can also be arranged.

The museum includes a traveling exhibit put together by the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills combined with local exhibits.

The traveling exhibit is a new program for the Zekelman Holocaust Center, and Adrian is only the second location to host it. Behnke and Camp learned that the center was launching the traveling exhibit when they visited with a group from Lenawee County last fall.

The local exhibits were assembled by Behnke and Camp, with assistance from a number of volunteers as well as community members who contributed items to the exhibit.

The windows in front of the space are lined with photographs that show the everyday lives of Jewish residents of Germany and neighboring countries before the Nazis came to power.

Large panels tell the story of Hitler’s rise to power, his use of antisemitic propaganda, and the tools the Nazis used to systematically murder Jewish people and other victims.

One section of the museum tells about different groups targeted by the Nazis. In addition to Jewish people, those groups included gay and transgender people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, political dissidents, disabled people, and the Roma and Sinti people, often called Gypsies.

Reproductions of articles from the Adrian Daily Telegram will allow museum visitors to see what residents of Lenawee County at the time would have known about the Holocaust through written accounts.

Visitors can also learn about the German prisoners of war who were held at a camp near Blissfield, and about the impact of World War II on the Hispanic community of Adrian.

The artifacts in the exhibit include papers that belonged to Helene Riegler, a citizen of Austria who spent a year doing forced labor under the Nazi regime. Those materials were lent to the exhibit by her daughter, Sheri Reeves Bleam, who lives in Adrian.

Riegler’s papers will give people a sense of what life was like for everyday citizens under the Third Reich. Visitors will be able to see her Arbeitsbuch — an official document she carried with her that documents her year of unpaid forced labor serving German families in a hotel. The practice was so institutionalized that

it had a name: Pflichtjahr, or “mandatory year.” Her papers are an illustration of the bureaucracy through which the regime controlled all aspects of people’s lives.

“She had to make sure that all of her papers were stamped by the Nazi government,” Bleam said of her mother, who was just a teenager at the time.

After the war, Riegler escaped from the area controlled by the Soviet Union and ended up meeting an American soldier, who she married. She came to the U.S. in 1947.

Also in the exhibit are letters written by political prisoners in the Auschwtiz, Dachau, and Mauthausen concentration camps. Those letters come from Adrian resident Michael Lehr, who is a collector of rare books and antique documents.

“In all cases they were heavily censored by the Nazis,” Behnke noted of those letters. “They always had to say ‘I am in good health’ and have a positive focus. They couldn’t talk about the slave labor they were engaged in or the conditions in the camp.”

Assembling the exhibit was a community effort involving many volunteers. Joe Dimech built walls to be used for displays. Ron Chinn designed rotating displays that will allow guests to see both sides of the paper that the political prisoners’ letters were written on.

In addition, original paintings by local artists Kris Schmidt and Tom Thiery will be on display.

The public can visit anytime during the standard hours of Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m, but in addition, a variety of classes will be offered in the space.

The museum is a project of the Adrian Diversity Event Fund, an organization that seeks to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Adrian and Lenawee County.

For more information, go to adriandiversityeventfund.org.

Randolph from page A9

an undefeated 48-0 record during his senior season and compiled a 144-18 record in four years. His oldest son, Brayden, was a four-time MHSAA all-state wrestler, including a state championship in 2021, his senior year. His daughter Taylor, who suffered a season-ending injury during her senior campaign in 2022, was a three-time all-state wrestler and won a state title in 2021 during her junior year of high school. Youngest son Braxton is a sophomore and wrestles at 157 pounds.

“I have a lot of pride in him and all my children for what they have accomplished and continue to accomplish as athletes and as people,” Casey Randolph said.

“My dad and my siblings have had a big influence on my progress as a wrestler,” said Bryce, who grew up around the sport and watched his siblings set the standard. “They’ve always pushed me, supported me, and shown me what it takes to be successful in wrestling.”

But before wrestling this winter, Bryce worked toward returning to the football field for Clinton. A 1,000-yard rusher and an all-state linebacker as a junior in 2024, he switched positions and rejoined the Redwolves midway through the season.

“He switched to tight end to help the team on offense because he couldn’t do the same things as a running back that he always had,” his father said.

“I struggled physically with coming back,” Bryce said of the process. “Even when I felt mentally ready, my body still needed more time to heal, and my muscles were slow to respond after being out for so long.”

But the determination and hard work paid off for Bryce, as he again

earned all-league honors in the Lenawee County Athletic Association and became a two-time All-Lenawee County Defensive Player of the Year, an honor his father and brother Brayden earned once. He was also a Division 7 all-region and all-state linebacker as voted by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association, the Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, and the Michigan Sports Writers Association.

“His calm demeanor and positive mindset have set him apart,” Casey Randolph said of Bryce, who also maintains a 3.90 grade point average. “He never lets himself get too high or too low before or after competing, and that is rare at the high school level.

“He does a tremendous job of preparing for his matches in the same way, no matter if it is a dual or the state championship.”

He now stands at a career mark of 191-18.

Bryce said that his dad “knows how to challenge me and hold me accountable, but he also knows how to motivate me and keep me focused. He’s helped shape me into the wrestler I am today, and I’m grateful for everything he’s done for me on and off the mat.”

The accident changed Bryce Randolph, and as his senior campaign winds down, he embraced the challenge and emerged a stronger person.

“Mentally, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through,” he said. “I had to accept the possibility of missing my senior year and fully commit to the recovery process, even with all the doubt and uncertainty surrounding my season.

“Letting go of that fear and trusting the work was a challenge, but it taught me a lot about patience and resilience.”

edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Joe Dimech is one of the local volunteers who helped build displays for the temporary Holocaust museum in downtown Adrian.

Pita

SECOND SECTION MARCH 2026 Jackson Boyd wins AHS’s ‘Silent Servant’ award » PAGE B3

The new

A transition at Catholic Charities

Longtime executive retires, and a new leader steps up

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — When Sue Lewis officially retired as executive director of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties on Feb. 2, it marked more than the end of a long tenure. It marked a carefully planned passing of responsibility — one rooted in continuity, trust, and a shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of the community.

After nearly two decades with the agency, Lewis leaves behind an organization shaped by steady growth, expanded services, and strong regional partnerships. Stepping into her role is Niki Wilson, a Tecumseh native whose professional path — and personal sense of calling — led her back home at just the right moment.

Wilson began working with Catholic Charities in late October, initially as director, before being named executive director on Lewis’s official retirement date. A 2009 Tecumseh High School graduate, Wilson earned her undergraduate degree at Wayne State University before returning to Lenawee County in 2018. While pregnant with her second child, she completed her MBA at Siena Heights University and later spent five years working within the Trinity Health IHA system in an outpatient OBGYN setting.

“I wasn’t happy with what I was doing,” Wilson said. “A lot of things were happening in my life, and I was really

See TRANSITION, page B11

Way to open Adrian location

» PAGE B7

THE LENAWEE VOICE

Students test science skills in fast-paced competition

ADRIAN — Students from across Lenawee County put their knowledge and teamwork to the test during an annual chemistry challenge organized by the Lenawee Intermediate School District and several partners.

The You Be the Solution Challenge, formerly known as You Be the Chemist, was held on Feb. 17 at the Adrian High School performing arts center. It brought together 55 students from Adrian, Blissfield, Onsted and Tecumseh for a fast-paced academic competition focused on chemistry. Working in teams of three to four students, participants competed through a series of four rounds, each made up of 10 challenging questions. Teams collaborated under pressure, relying on both chemistry knowledge and strong communication to earn points throughout the event.

The event is for students in fifth through eighth grades.

The local event was one of a series of regional You Be the Solution Challenges across the United States and Canada.

See SCIENCE, page B11

Boys & Girls Club recognized for youth advocacy

ADRIAN — The Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee recently received the Champion for Youth award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their advocacy on behalf of Michigan’s youth.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Club Advocacy Engagement Recognition Program recognizes the advocacy work of local chapters, with an emphasis on impact, creativity and innovation. Youth Champion recognition is given to the top 10% of clubs nationwide.

“Clubs like ours have a unique role as community leaders in providing valuable afterschool programs to our

country’s youth that enable them to achieve great futures,” Sara Herriman, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, said in a news release. “We are wholly committed to raising the visibility of the needs of the youth in our community, especially the ones who need us most, and showing what we can accomplish with the support of our elected officials and our community.”

Over the past year, Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee youth and staff engaged in advocacy efforts to elevate the needs of local youth. The club hosted multiple tours for lawmakers and key decisionmakers at the local,

state, and federal levels, providing firsthand insight into the impact of club programs. Additionally, representatives from the club met with state legislators in Lansing during the annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Michigan Advocacy Days.

“Boys & Girls Clubs champion opportunities for all youth, equipping young people with the experiences and tools they need to succeed,” Herriman said. “Our advocacy isn’t just a one-day event. We are raising youth voices every single day, to ensure top issues and solutions impacting young people are prioritized in our community, our state and at the national level.”

Sue Lewis, seated, retired in February as the executive director of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

executive director is Niki Wilson. RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS/LENAWEE VOICE

Onsted students Samarah Huffman and Haileigh Helminiak watch as teammate Olivia Knipp raises their team’s answer in the air during the You Be the Solution chemistry challenge at the Adrian High School Performing Arts Center. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LISD

Tecumseh students Annabelle Rhoades and Lillian Stamper work on a problem during the LISD’s annual chemistry challenge on Feb. 17.

Blissfield teammates Noah Zeigler, Griffin LeCompte and Luca Walter are pictured during the You Be the Solution challenge at Adrian High School.

Automotive students win Gary Bettis Toolbox grants

ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Education Foundation presented six students with Gary Bettis Toolbox Grants on Feb. 11.

The students are part of the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center’s Automotive Service Technology program. The grant provides tools for students entering the automotive repair industry.

The program was established in 2021 in memory of LISD Tech Center alumnus Gary Bettis, honoring his lifelong passion for the automotive industry and his belief in strong workforce preparation.

Bettis was known not only for his skill in the automotive field, but also for his work ethic and commitment to his community. Less than a year after graduating from high school, Bettis took over Blissfield Gulf, a full-service fuel store and auto repair shop. He remained its owner and operator for more than 50 years.

Each year, the toolbox grant helps remove financial barriers for students entering the industry by providing support for essential equipment.

Recipients receive funding to purchase professional toolboxes and automotive tools that will follow them from the classroom into the workforce. In addition, Dave Cabinaw with NAPA Auto Parts of Blissfield supports the program by providing grant recipients with a discount on the tools they purchase.

The 2026 winners are:

n Tyler Beaudoin of Blissfield High School, who is currently gaining hands-on experience through a co-op placement at Clift Buick GMC. After high school, he plans to remain in Lenawee

County and continue working in the automotive industry.

n Owen Dusseau-Bates of Britton Deerfield High School, who plans to become an airplane mechanic. Following graduation, he intends to join the Navy for four years to earn the education and credentials needed to enter the aviation field.

n Raymond Woods, a Tecumseh Virtual Academy student, who is currently working through a co-op placement at Phil’s Complete Auto Repair and plans to continue building

his skills locally with the long-term goal of working for Caterpillar.

n Elliot Cramer of Blissfield High School, who also hopes to work for Michigan or Ohio Caterpillar, with a special interest in power generation.

n Andrew Rascol of Lenawee Christian School, who is pursuing a path that combines automotive and aviation training. He plans to attend Universal Technical Institute in Canton for aviation technology while continuing to work at L&R Auto, with the ultimate goal of working for a major airline.

n Wyatt Welch of Clinton High School, who is working through a coop placement at Phil’s Complete Auto Repair and plans to work for Michigan or Ohio Caterpillar. His long-term goal is to operate his own service truck.

The grants are funded through support from the community. Anyone interested in contributing may send donations to Lenawee County Education Foundation, 4107 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian, MI 49221, and designate the gift to the Gary Bettis Memorial Tool Grant Fund.

Six students at the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center were presented with Gary Bettis Toolbox Grants on Feb. 11. The grant is named for a Tech Center graduate and longtime owner of the Gulf station in Blissfield. At left, from the morning program, are Wyatt Welch, Elliott Cramer and Andrew Rascol. At right, from the afternoon program, are Owen Dusseau-Bates, Raymond Woods and Tyler Beaudion. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LISD

AHS senior Jackson Boyd recognized for leadership

ADRIAN — The Adrian school board recognized Jackson Boyd, a senior at Adrian High School, as the recipient of the Silent Servant Leadership Award during their Feb. 9 meeting.

The honor recognizes students who demonstrate humility, service to others, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their school and community.

A founding member of Adrian High School’s first boys volleyball team, Boyd helped recruit teammates to build a full roster and supported the program’s growth over the past three years. In addition to participating, he volunteered to work concessions and referee youth volleyball games, helping expand opportunities for younger students.

He has served as an election inspector for Cambridge Township for the past two years, assisting with voter registration verification and ballot preparation, as well as supporting voters on election days. He regularly volunteers at local blood drives, both as a donor and as a supporter, helping ensure a positive experience for others.

With plans to attend the University of Michigan to study nursing, Boyd is currently enrolled in the LISD Tech Center’s Nursing Preparation program. He has also volunteered at a local urgent care facility.

He has helped organize fundraisers for the Environmental Club, Key Club, and National Honor Society, and serves on the technical crew for school theater productions, managing props and scenery and helping ensure smooth performances.

“Jackson is a silent leader and a positive role model for his peers,” said high school counselor Dana Noel. “He is humble, selfless, and consistently gives his time to help others. His willingness to serve without recognition truly embodies the spirit of this award.”

“Jackson represents the very best of Adrian High School,” said principal Sam Skeels. “He leads through his actions, supports his peers, and consistently looks for ways to make a positive impact without seeking recognition.”

Adrian High School senior Jackson Boyd is pictured with high school counselor Dana Noel at the Feb. 9 school board meeting.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADRIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Adrian Morning Rotary invites you to ‘Be a Hero’

ADRIAN — “Be a Hero” is the theme of this year’s Adrian Morning Rotary fundraising dinner and auction. The event will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Hills of Lenawee Golf Course and Banquet Center.

SERVICE CLUBS ROUNDUP

Guests are encouraged to wear superhero capes and masks in keeping with the theme of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Kids First All Ways projects that are sponsored by the group. Emcees for this year’s event are Gary Lundy and Eric Parker.

“This is a great opportunity for our club to help service the Adrian and Lenawee Community by focusing on our mission of putting kids first,” said Bob Behnke, event organizer. “We have a great event that our community enjoys while having fun.”

This year’s event will feature a Golf Ball Drop, which is sponsored by Hungry Howie’s Pizza. Only 250 tickets will be sold at a cost of $20 each. Tickets can be purchased separately from tickets for the fundraiser dinner and auction. Ticket

holders need not be present to win. Golf balls will be dropped over a putting green and a $1,000 cash prize goes to whoever’s ball gets closest to the hole.

Also featured at the fundraiser are auction items that include a tour of the top of the Mackinac Bridge with the Mackinaw Bridge Authority.

“This is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Behnke said.

The club is also auctioning Detroit Lions tickets, jewelry from International Diamond & Gold in Adrian, rental of the Adrian College Boathouse, a spring cleanup from Underwood Nursery and a French dinner cooked in the winner’s home for a party of eight.

The Kids First All Ways “Be a Hero” fundraiser proceeds will fund a significant portion of the club’s weekend snack sack program. The club provides over 600 snack sacks every week through the school year to at-risk students in Adrian and Madison school districts. These students have been identified by the schools as facing food insecurity on weekends.

Club members pack the snack bags, and the Lenawee Intermediate School District helps in delivering the snack

sacks to the individual schools.

“This small but mighty club recognizes the importance of addressing childhood hunger,” Behnke said. Tickets are available online at givebutter.com/KFAW26 or from any Adrian Morning Rotary Club member. More information can be found on the Adrian Morning Rotary Facebook page.

The Hills of Lenawee Golf Course and Banquet Center is at 4110 Country Club Road, Adrian.

Civitan Grand Giveaway: The 44th annual Civitan Grand Giveaway will be held on Saturday, April 11, in the Adrian College Tobias Room. This year’s theme is “Tailgate Party.” Ten cash prizes will be awarded altogether, with the top prize being $5,000. The event also includes a live and a silent auction. Tickets, which include dinner, are $175 for two guests. For more information or tickets, email sue.stange@lisd.us or cswiftgoldwing@ gmail.com. Proceeds will help fund Civitan’s ongoing service to mentally and physically challenged individuals in Lenawee County.

Tecumseh Service Club and Kiwanis partner on bingo fundraiser: The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh and the

Tecumseh Service Club will be holding their annual bingo event on Saturday, April 11, in the Tecumseh High School cafeteria, 760 Brown St., Tecumseh. Use the south entrance by the athletic fields to enter the building. Bingo will run from 4-6 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Bingo cards are $5 each. Limited VIP tables are available. See details on the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh Facebook page.

Lions Club Radio Auction: The Adrian Breakfast Lions Club will host its 30th annual radio Auction on Saturday, April 25, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. The auction will be held at Adrian High School and can be heard on the online radio station Local Buzz Radio (localbuzzradio.com). For more information, find the Adrian Breakfast Lions Club on Facebook or email adrian.lions@yahoo.com.

Kiwanis canoe race returns: The Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh will be holding its fifth canoe race on Saturday, June 6, with the first boat in the water at 2 p.m. More information is available on the club’s Facebook page.

— Compiled by Julie C. Clemes

“Everyone has their nose stuck in a phone these days,” says Lyle Pratt, who just set his own down on the table. He picks it right up again to check the time.

“Why don’t you wear a watch?” I ask.

“I have my phone,” he says, peering at it. “Pistons won last night. Red Wings lost.”

“Winston Churchill says he doesn’t care,” I say, just to see if he’s listening.

“Hmm,” says Lyle, poking at the screen again. “Dental appointment tomorrow.”

“Pour it over his head and drown his phone while you’re at it,” I say to Sadie, our waitress, who’s just walked up behind Lyle with a full pot.

“Okay,” she says, and pretends to do just that. A single drop of coffee hits the top of Lyle’s head. He doesn’t notice.

“I could use another cup of coffee,” he says. “I hope Sadie comes around pretty soon. Hey! Here’s a funny meme!”

Sadie fills my cup and leaves the table, shaking her head as Lyle holds his phone up so I can see a dumb drawing that used to be called a cartoon before it became a meme.

I get up and go to the men’s room. When I come back, Lyle’s still sitting there with an empty cup, staring at his phone.

“I’m leaving,” I say.

“Huh?” he mutters. “We just got here.”

“Put the phone down,” I say. “NOW!”

“Sorry,” he says. “Addictive.”

I pick up his phone and put it on an empty chair with my own.

“They are not all bad. Devices, I mean,” I say.

“I get to see and talk to my distant kids and grandchildren,” I go on. “I don’t have to drive to go to meetings. I am navigationally impaired. I don’t get lost anymore.

“Twice a week, I join a group of friends scattered over the country for 40 minute chats about whatever subjects come up. These gatherings have been going on since the Covid shutdown 6 years ago. The group began with a gang of us who met for coffee every weekday morning. We missed that contact, so my late friend

JIM WHITEHOUSE

Sharky started the Zoom group.

“Daily, I communicate with my cousin and two friends, exchanging emails about science, linguistics, entomology, etymology, politics, nature, the nature of non sequiturs, philosophy, religion, love, war, and peace. And other stuff. We are nerds and enjoy sharing our shared nerdiness.”

“I hear you,” says Lyle. “It’s the same kind of stuff for me. A lot of good, some bad. Can you hand me my phone, please?”

“No. You are a cell phone addict. I don’t want to be an enabler,” I say, taking a sip of coffee.

“You seem to have a problem with caffeine,” he says, looking wistfully at his empty cup. “Talk about dependence! Give me my phone.”

“Do you know why there are two high tides every day, when you are visiting the seashore?” I say.

“No. But I could look it up if you’d give me my phone.”

“Or we could just discuss it,” I say. “Like people.”

“Oh, go ahead, you nerd,” he says. “I know you can’t wait to explain it all. In fact, here’s a pen and a napkin, so you can draw me a diagram. Or, you can give me my phone.”

I reach down to the empty chair and turn off a phone. I hand it to him.

“This is your phone,” he says. “And it’s turned off.”

“Dagnab it!” I say, handing him his phone and taking mine, wishing it were turned on so I could look up some stuff..

Jim Whitehouse grew up in Morenci, practiced law in Hudson, and now lives in Albion.

At the Lenawee Community Foundation, we know that charitable giving is deeply personal—and that choosing the right tools matters just as much as choosing the causes you care about.

Whether you are considering establishing your first fund with the Lenawee Community Foundation or considering adding another fund to complement the ones you already have, it can be helpful to step back and look at how different options support different goals.

Donor-advised fund:

Donor-advised funds are one of the most popular “baseline” charitable giving tools because they make it simple to support a wide range of nonprofits while maintaining a clear, organized approach to philanthropy. With a donor-advised fund, you can make contributions of cash, stock, or other property at your convenience, and these gifts are eligible for a charitable tax deduction in the year of the gift. Separately, the donor-advised fund allows you to recommend grants to your favorite IRS-qualified charities over time. You can select a name for your donor-advised fund and, if you choose, limit how much personal information is shared with recipient organizations.

Designated fund: Perhaps you are instead (or also) focused on making a lasting impact on a single organization that has played an important role in your life. In that case, a designated fund may be the right addition to your charitable portfolio. A designated fund provides ongoing, predictable support to a specific nonprofit— either through regular distributions or grants made as needed. Because the Lenawee Community Foundation provides stewardship of the fund’s assets, a designated fund offers stability and continuity for the organization it benefits. This type of fund can be especially helpful if you want to “bunch” multiple years of giving into a single year for tax purposes while

BRONNA KAHLE

ensuring continued support for a favorite charity over time. Plus, if you are age 70 ½ or older, a designated fund (unlike a donor-advised fund) can receive Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA.  Unrestricted fund or field-ofinterest fund: Some donors are drawn to a different approach — addressing the community’s most pressing needs, both now and in the future, while relying on professional insight to guide that work. For these donors, an unrestricted fund offers powerful flexibility. Unrestricted funds allow the Lenawee Community Foundation to direct resources where they are needed most as circumstances change — whether that means responding to a crisis, supporting emerging opportunities, or addressing long-term challenges. A field-of-interest is similar to an unrestricted fund, except that you can name a specific area of need, such as the arts, education, or emergency assistance, to receive support from the fund.

Adopt a portfolio approach: Many donors choose to establish more than one type of fund over time, building a thoughtful and diversified approach to philanthropy that reflects both their values and their evolving priorities.  Wherever you are along your charitable giving journey, the Lenawee Community Foundation is here to help. Please reach out anytime — we would love to talk with you.

For information, call 517-263-4696, contact forlenawee@lenaweecf.com, or visit lenaweecf.com.

Bronna Kahle is president and CEO of the Lenawee Community Foundation.

Hospice seeks new volunteers; training begins in April

ADRIAN — Hospice of Lenawee is seeking caring and compassionate people to serve as hospice volunteers. Whether working directly with patients, assisting in the office, or at an event, all volunteers support the mission of Hospice of Lenawee.

Hospice is especially in need of individuals willing to visit hospice patients for companionship or caregiver respite in a patient’s home or a facility. Volunteers with receptionist experience are needed as well. Prospective volunteers must wait a minimum of one year after the loss of a loved one to be eligible for training.

The sessions will include information on the hospice philosophy and the many roles in which someone can donate their time and skills.

The training sessions will be on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from April 29 to May 20. Training will take place at Hospice of Lenawee’s offices at 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian.

All four training sessions must be attended to become a hospice volunteer.

The application deadline is April 14.

To apply or for more information, call 517-263-2323 and ask for Heather Rowe.

COLLEGE NEWS

Huntington University: Students named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List at Huntington University in Indiana included Katerina Goniea and Kylie Hicks, both of Adrian; Adam Stutzman of Jasper; and Abigail Stiver of Waldron.

Lee University: Derrick Blaker of Adrian was named to the Dean’s List during the Fall 2025 semester at Lee University in Tennessee.

Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions: Erika Goodson of Adrian was named to the Fall 2025 Provost’s List.

University of Alabama: Clayton Ayers, Freddy Cruse and Jacob Morton, all of Adrian, were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

To submit news for this column, please email news@lenaweevoice.com.

the

from

Morenci third-graders learn how to research, write and publish their own book

MORENCI — Third-graders in Taylor Curtis’ class at Morenci Elementary School got some hands-on experience with researching, compiling, and presenting information in print when they wrote, illustrated and published their own book this year.

The project began when Curtis discovered information about the company Student Treasures Publishing in her mailbox. After researching the program, she believed her students were ready for the challenge.

“I wanted to give them something meaningful and rigorous,” Curtis said. “I had high expectations for the outcome, and they absolutely rose to meet them.”

The class began by reviewing a sample book from the publishing company. Together, they analyzed the student writing, noticing complete sentences, neat handwriting, and full-page illustrations.

After narrowing nine student suggestions to two finalists, the class voted on their book topic. “Animal Facts” was the winning choice.

Each student selected a unique animal to research. Working in small groups, students developed rough drafts, researched three interesting facts using the A-Z Animals encyclopedia on their Chromebooks, and carefully crafted topic and closing sentences. Curtis guided students through multiple drafts, modeling the writing process using components of the “Write Steps”

curriculum to provide visual supports and structure.

Students revised their work for sentence structure, grammar, and clarity before completing a final draft. They also practiced drawing detailed animal illustrations, making thoughtful decisions about background space and color choices to meet art standards. Final drafts were carefully traced in Sharpie to ensure clarity in the printed publication.

The project took approximately six weeks to complete during the busy fall months of October through December.

As the writing process progressed, student excitement grew. Many eagerly approached Curtis to proudly announce, “I’m finished!”

Beyond creating a book, the project reinforced multiple academic standards. Students strengthened writing skills, practiced the research process using credible sources, refined grammar and sentence structure, and applied artistic techniques, integrating reading, writing, research, and art into one experience.

When the published books arrived at the end of January, elementary principal Kristine Fink visited the classroom and was the first to read the newly published book aloud to the students.

“This was the first class I’ve published a book with,” Curtis said. “I’m so grateful to share this special experience with them. They showed resilience, determination, and pride in their work from start to finish.”

Spectrum Chiropractic supplies coats to area kids

ADRIAN — Spectrum Chiropractic & Health delivered more than 150 brand-new, name-brand winter coats to children in need across Lenawee County this winter, thanks to the success of its Fairway Frenzy 2025 charity golf event.

Held on Sept. 6 at Wolf Creek Golf Course, Fairway Frenzy brought together local businesses, community members, and volunteers for a day of friendly competition and collective giving. The event raised over $4,600, with the majority of funds dedicated to purchasing winter coats, along with hats, mittens, and gift cards to support specialized student needs.

“This community showed up in a big way,” said Brianna Wallace, co-owner of Spectrum Chiropractic & Health. “We wanted to ensure kids received coats they’d be excited to wear — brand-new, stylish, and high quality. Every child deserves to feel warm, confident, and cared for, especially during the winter months.”

Morenci third-graders collaborated on writing, illustrating and publishing their own book as a class project. In

back row,

left to right, are Daniel Decker, Angeline Gierucki, teacher Taylor Curtis, Alexander (AJ) Thompson, Zoie Wiles, Kiley Vasher, and paraprofessional Tabby Murray. In the second row are Jaycie Pike, Carter Williams, Scarlett Stucker, Henry Milhoan, and Annabelle Whitehead. In the front row are Kamdyn Lester, Emberly Flores, Ezri Hall, Cassius Craig, and River Miller. COURTESY OF MORENCI AREA SCHOOLS

OUR TOWNS

C. CLEMES/LENAWEE

By Julie C. Clemes The Lenawee Voice

ADRIAN — A taste of the Mediterranean will soon be coming to Adrian. Pita Way, a fast-casual, healthconscious, grab-n-go dining option, will be opening around mid-April.

Pita Way plans April opening in Adrian ADRIAN

Pita Way was founded in 2010 by Brandon Bahoura in Clarkston, according to Kipp Quarton, marketing director for the company. Bahoura, who is of Chaldean background, wanted to offer Iraqi-inspired meals to diners.

“He had a very simple goal,” Quarton said, “to offer a taste of the Mediterranean region.”

Pita Way offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes. The most popular, Quarton said, are the bowls, which can be rice-based, tabbouleh-based or hummusbased. Meat options for the bowls include grilled and crispy chicken, falafel for a vegetarian option, and a lamb gyro.

“We have a huge customizable array of vegetables, sauces, toppings, you name it, to go on them,” he said. “Everything’s homemade.”

The “Sandweech” is another popular item, which is a pita sandwich with the same customizable toppings as the bowls.

Side items, such as hummus with pita bread or chips, tabbouli, fries, “Fire Fries,” tourshi (pickled cabbage), rice, soups, and chicken tenders are on the menu as well.

Pita Way does catering for big and small parties, events or corporate functions, Quarton said. Catering can be picked up or delivered.

Pita Way currently has 46 locations throughout Michigan, including in the metro Detroit area and Grand Rapids. More restaurants are planned for the west side of the state and Traverse City.

Quarton said that the decision to locate Pita Way in Adrian was made because Adrian is “up and coming.”

“I think Adrian is the right future for something like Pita Way,” he said.

“It’s kind of intimidating sometimes to try something from a different region,” he added. “We wanted to make it affordable. We wanted to provide great portions and great-tasting food.”

“I think what sets us apart from others is that not only are you going to get a good meal, but you’re going to feel great while you’re visiting us,” Quarton said. “Customer service is something we put a great emphasis on.”

Pita Way will be located at 1376 Division St., Unit B, between Meijer and Lowe’s in Adrian. More information is available at pitaway.com.

Family-owned fabrication company is a mainstay of the Morenci community

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

MORENCI — A humble blacksmith shop in the 1920s provided the roots for a family-run business that has been part of Morenci’s fabric for some 45 years now.

MORENCI

That blacksmith shop’s offshoot opened the door in the 1970s to WR Production Welding, which was owned by Wendell Glaser and operated by James Roth. When that company went bankrupt in 1979, some of its customers asked Roth and his late wife, Rita, if they would open their own related business.

The result was Roth Fabricating Inc., which has been serving customers in a wide variety of industries since 1980.

See FAMILY BUSINESS, page B12

Kipp Quarton is the marketing director for Pita Way, which is opening an Adrian location this spring. JULIE

VOICE

Pictured at Roth Fabricating Inc. are Joel Swett, Lauren Wilson, Jason Wilson, Jim Roth,

Jeanie Sarnac, and Shane Sarnac. Roth is holding a photo of himself and his late wife Rita.

Andrew Peters, an employee of Roth Fabricating, welds a suspension part for an aftermarket 4WD kit. The company provides metal fabricating and assembly services including laser cutting, welding, CNC machining, and more. PHOTOS BY ARLENE BACHANOV/LENAWEE VOICE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

IN BRIEF

Learn how to prevent falls at upcoming workshop

ADRIAN — A simple misstep can change everything, but the good news is that many falls are preventable. Older adults and caregivers are invited to a fall prevention workshop designed to help people stay steady, safe, and confident in their daily lives.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 18, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Lenawee County Human Services Building, 1040 S. Winter St. Martha York from the Wellwise Services Agency on Aging will walk participants through practical strategies to reduce fall risks, recognize hazards at home and in the community, and explore tools that can help improve balance and stability.

Seating is limited. To RSVP, contact the Lenawee Department on Aging at 517264-5280 or lda@lenawee.mi.us.

Women’s Health and Hormone Conference planned in Adrian

ADRIAN — Totally Natural Techniques in Adrian is hosting its second Women’s Health & Hormone Conference. The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, At New Life Church, 1370 S. Winter St., Adrian. The conference is designed for women at every stage of life, from early hormone health to perimenopause and post-menopause. More information is available at womenshealthandhormoneconference. com.

Oral surgeon honored for professional achievement

SALINE — Dr. Cass A. Radecki, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in wisdom teeth removal and dental implants, has been awarded Life Fellowship status by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The honor recognizes professional achievement and continuous dedication to advancing the specialty and patient care across generations. Radecki’s practice, Radecki Oral Surgery, is in Saline.

Understanding nutrition for a healthier life

March is National Nutrition Month. No matter our age, our bodies need key nutrients from the food we eat. These include protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

As we age and our lifestyles change, our nutrition needs may change too. At the same time, we see many advertisements that promise to fix or improve specific symptoms with vitamins or supplements. A visit to a pharmacy or big box store shows just how many choices there are. Shelves are filled with vitamins and supplements in many forms, such as pills, capsules, and gummies, and in many different doses. It can be very easy to pick a few and start taking them right away. But how do we really know what we need?

A good place to start is with your medical care team. Sharing concerns such as low energy, new or ongoing pain, digestion issues, or changes in mood can help guide next steps. Your health care provider can review your symptoms, order blood tests if needed, and look at other medical conditions

that may affect how you are feeling. Your pharmacist is another important resource. Taking medications and supplements together needs careful balance. A pharmacist can review your medications to check for interactions and help explain safe vitamin doses recommended by your provider. For example, vitamin D is commonly prescribed or suggested, but there are many doses available on the shelf. How well vitamin D works can also depend on other medications and the foods you eat.

A dietitian is also a valuable resource when it comes to nutrition and supplements. Dietitians look at the whole picture, including medical

conditions, medications, eating habits, and health risks. They can help determine if a nutrient gap can be filled with food instead of a supplement. To find a dietitian, ask your health care provider for a referral. The Lenawee County Department on Aging and WellWise Services work with a dietitian who may be able to assist with questions. For individuals living with diabetes, insurance may cover nutrition services to help manage blood sugar levels. In some cases, telehealth appointments may also be available.

Taking care of your nutrition is important at every age. By talking with your health care team, pharmacist, and a dietitian, you can make smart choices about vitamins and supplements that truly support your health. This National Nutrition Month, consider small steps — like reviewing your diet and asking the right questions — to help your body get the nutrients it needs.

Cari Rebottaro is director of the Lenawee County Department on Aging.

Lenawee County offers resources for preventing, detecting and treating sexually transmitted infections

Each April, the Lenawee County Health Department joins communities nationwide in recognizing Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Month and STI Awareness Week, held this year from April 16-19. The goal is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about sexual health.

STIs are common, and testing is one of the most responsible steps you can take for your health and the health of your partners. Most infections are treatable, and many are curable, but early detection is essential. Many infections show no symptoms, so regular testing is the only way to know for sure.

The terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, means that a virus, bacteria, or parasite is present in the body, even if it hasn’t caused symptoms. When an infection progresses and begins causing health problems, it is considered an STD. All STDs start as STIs, but not all STIs develop into diseases. This is why routine testing matters.

You can’t always tell if you have an STI just by how you feel. Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis often have no symptoms, yet can cause serious

SUPPORT GROUPS

Celebrate Recovery: A Christcentered recovery group meeting Saturdays at 9 a.m. at Ogden Church, 3201 East U.S. 223, Adrian. Contact Roger or Theresa Miller, 517-215-5754 or theresamillercr@yahoo.com.

Good Grief: Free drop-in group for adults widowed earlier in life, meeting on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hospice of Lenawee, 1903 Wolf Creek Hwy., Adrian. Contact Heather Popkey or Karen Cheney at 517-263-2323.

MONICA HUNT

health issues if left untreated, including infertility or, in rare cases, lifethreatening complications. Regular testing allows for early treatment and helps prevent spreading infections to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually active individuals with risk factors, such as new or multiple partners, unprotected sex, pregnancy, or a partner who has tested positive, should get tested regularly. Those in long-term monogamous relationships with a partner who has tested negative may not need routine testing.

Prevention is also key. The most effective ways to reduce risk include abstaining from sex, being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative, and using condoms or other protective barriers consistently and correctly. In addition, medical options exist to further reduce the risk of HIV and some STIs. Medical options are also available

Fathers of Lenawee: Fourth Tuesday of every month from 4-5 p.m. at the Ebeid Center, 801 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

Overeaters Anonymous: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Mondays at 1:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 4 p.m. at Serenity House, 600 Gulf St., Adrian.

Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays at noon, NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh. Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Madison Church of the Nazarene, 3993 Treat Hwy., Adrian. Thursdays at 6 p.m., NewSong Church, 5211 S. Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh.

to reduce the risk of HIV and some STIs, residents can speak with a healthcare provider or the health department to learn what prevention strategies are right for them.

If you test positive for an STI, it’s important to inform your partners so they can get tested and treated as well. Honest, informed conversations protect everyone involved. Having an STI does not mean the end of a healthy sex life — staying informed, receiving treatment, and communicating openly are key steps in managing your health.

The Lenawee County Health Department offers confidential STI and HIV testing, counseling, referrals, and partner treatment. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Testing is free or low-cost, and available insurance can be billed.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 517-264-5226 (press 2).

As we recognize STI Awareness Week, the health department encourages all residents to make their sexual health a priority. Getting tested is not something to be embarrassed about — it’s a smart, proactive choice that helps keep you, your partners, and your community safe.

Monica Hunt is the Lenawee County Health Department’s health officer.

Thursdays at 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 151 N. Main St., Brooklyn. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., Tecumseh District Library, 215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh. Sundays at 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 1245 W Maple Ave., Adrian.

To submit a support group listing or report any corrections or changes, please email Linda Cline at lcline@lenaweevoice.com.

CARI REBOTTARO

Cass Radecki

IN MEMORY

We regret that space does not allow us to print detailed obituaries. These listings are intended as a guide to the obituaries that may be found on local funeral homes’ websites. When available, brief biographical information is provided to aid the reader in determining if they knew the deceased. To view complete information, please refer to this key:

[ADS] Adrian Dominican Sisters, adriandominicans.org

[AM] Anderson-Marry Funeral Homes, andersonfuneralservices.com

[BJFH] Borek Jennings Funeral Home, borekjennings.com

[BVH] Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, brownvanhemert.com

[E] Eineder Funeral Homes, einederfuneralhomes.com

[H] Handler Funeral Homes, handlerfuneralhomes.com

[PA] Purse Funeral Home in Adrian, pursefuneralhome.com

[PS] Gil Purse & Son, gilpurseandson.com

[W] Wagley Funeral Homes, wagleyfuneralhomes.com

John Edward Brown, 63, of Adrian died on Nov. 20. He was a 1980 graduate of Madison High School and served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. [AM]

Amy Feeney (Hutchinson) Wassmer, 54, of Adrian died on Dec. 6. She loved her dogs and was a passionate environmentalist. [PA]

James Hudson Briggs, M.D., 75, of Adrian died on Dec. 16. He grew up in Scarborough, Maine. He began his career as a psychiatrist in hospitals and community mental health centers across southeast Michigan. He worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections and helped young, incarcerated men to develop plans for a successful life after release. [W] Norman Curtis Paulson, 80, died on Dec. 28. He was a 1963 graduate of Adrian High School. He attended Eastern Michigan University while working at Ford Motor Co., and he served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam era. [PA]

Harry John Saja Jr., 45, died on Dec. 30. He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting and nature. [PS]

Barbara E. (Gage) Rakoczy, 75, of Tipton died on Jan. 8. She loved attending her grandchildren’s events, from dance recitals to band and choir concerts, Science Olympics and lacrosse. [PA]

Barbara Dee Hall, 63, died on Jan. 10 in Adrian. [PS]

Norman Joseph Heim, 76, of Napoleon died on Jan. 15. He was born in Tecumseh and graduated from Napoleon High School in 1968. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was a truck driver for over 40 years. He was a longtime member of the Michigan Center Eagles #3634. [E]

Maria Lynn Chesher, 50, of Adrian died on Jan. 16 under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. She faced challenges with courage and perseverance, continuing to give of herself even during difficult seasons. Her four children were the center of her world and her greatest source of pride. She never turned away someone in need and was often the first to reach out with care and concern. [toledocremation.com]

Kay Frances (Thomas) Norgaard, 90, of Manchester died on Jan. 17. She was a 1954 graduate of Onsted High School and attended Siena Heights College. She taught kindergarten for a short time but spent most of her life working with her husband running their family dairy farm. [E]

Sister Mary Ward, OP, 91, of Adrian died on Jan. 18. Formerly Sister Michael Bridget, she was in her 68th year of profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. A native of Chicago, she ministered as a teacher and guidance counselor at several schools in Illinois before serving the congregation in a number of positions. In later years she was administrator of the Detroit Center for Religious Development, a secretary for the Archdiocese of Detroit, and registrar for Sacred Heart Major Seminary. [ADS] Nolon Lee Haag, 6, of Manitou Beach died on Jan. 20. He was a first-grader at Addison Elementary School. He enjoyed bike riding, swimming, playing games with family and friends, and was an avid animal lover. [BVH]

Virginia Sue Kelley, 82, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 20. She worked as an assistant chemist at Wacker Silicones, retiring after many years of service. She also

worked at the Country House restaurant, taught aerobics classes at the Tecumseh Community Center, and volunteered at the Tecumseh Center for the Arts. [PS]

Thomas “Tom” Albert Mutter, 89, of Palmyra died on Jan. 20. He worked primarily as a millwright for various manufacturing companies before retiring. He was a member of Palmyra Masonic Lodge 184. [W]

Roger Gene Morgan, 82, of Adrian died on Jan. 21. He was a graduate of Madison High School. For many years he worked at Dura in Adrian as a general foreman. He earned the nickname “Cowboy” as he loved watching westerns, especially John Wayne movies. [W]

Hazel May Morgan, 100, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 21 at the Brooklyn Living Center. [E]

Sister Joan Schroeder, OP, 90, of Adrian died on Jan. 21. Formerly Sister Francis Maureen, she was in her 72nd year of profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was born in Chicago. After entering the congregation, she ministered as an elementary teacher in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and New Mexico. She also served in a variety of secretarial positions, including as secretary for the congregation’s SEAC Mission Chapter based in Detroit, and ministered in the Congregation’s transportation services department for nine years. [ADS]

Sister Meliza Arquillano, OP, 43, of Philippines died on Jan. 22. She was in her ninth year of religious profession as an Adrian Dominican Sister. She was born in Cavite City, Philippines. Her ministries included serving as a canteen manager, as an assistant to special needs children, and in pastoral ministry. [ADS]

Roy Lee Leathers, 75, of Adrian died on Jan. 22. He served in the U.S. Army, earning a bronze star. He worked at Rima Manufacturing in Hudson for 20 years. He also drove for Coachman. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. [AM]

Jack L. Robinson, 70, of Adrian died on Jan. 22. After high school graduation he attended college and worked in the manufacturing industry his entire career. In his free time he loved to attend classic car shows and play pool with friends. [AM]

Donald Chittenden, 96, of Palmyra died on Jan. 23. He was a 1946 graduate of Morenci High School and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1952. He started his career at Faraday in Tecumseh where he worked for eight years. He then went to work at Fisher Body in Tecumseh in 1965 and retired in 1988. [PA]

Matthew “Matt” Evans, 58, of Hudson died on Jan. 23. [PA]

Carolyn Ann Partin, 80, of Adrian, a native of Hudson, died on Jan. 23. [AM]

Bonnie Jean Slaughter, 71, of Britton died on Jan. 23. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Tecumseh. [H]

Eugene Leroy VandenBoss, 84, of Adrian died on Jan. 23. He was a professor of mathematics at Adrian College for 36 years, retiring in 2004. During that time he was involved in setting up the original computer lab. He was musically inclined and had an eye for photography. [W]

Loraine Marie Brieschke, 92, of Blissfield died on Jan. 24. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Adrian in 1951. In 1955 she went to work for the

Riley & Riley law firm in Blissfield and later worked at Saxmayer Corporation in Blissfield for 18 years. She then went back to Riley’s law office until her retirement in 1994. [W]

Samuel Ross Cunningham, 73, of Loveland, Ohio, died on Jan. 24. He was a 1970 graduate of Adrian High School, attended Michigan State University, and worked for many years as a manager in the hospitality industry. He loved spending summers in Michigan at his family cottage at Devils Lake. [tuftsschildmeyer.com]

Jeanne Marie (Merillat) Rhinehart, 66, of Adrian died on Jan. 24. She began working at Bixby Hospital in 1995. She loved music and going to concerts. She also enjoyed plays at the Croswell and the Stranahan and going to casinos. [AM]

Earl Henry Cook Jr., 98, of Clinton died on Jan. 25. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the Kitty Hawk and was a member of the Tecumseh VFW. He was the manager and owner of a bowling alley as well as a number of convenience stores. [H]

Karen Joyce Magill, 87, of Manitou Beach died on Jan. 25. She and her husband started ministering in 1978, pastoring at Norvell Baptist Church until starting Word of Life Fellowship in 1979. After her husband’s death in 1998, she continued to pastor there until 2000. She remarried and she and her husband became members of Lifehouse Ministries in Tipton. She founded Word of Life Christian School. [W]

Frances Magreta, 84, of Brooklyn died on Jan. 25. She received an associate degree in nursing and spent her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. [E]

Joyce Leone Shaffer, 94, of Waldron died on Jan. 25. She was a graduate of Waldron High School. She worked at both Reading Industries and Kustom Fit. [AM]

Sister Thérèse Haggerty, OP, 95, of Adrian died on Jan. 26. She made profession to the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1952, becoming known as Sister Mary of St. Michael, and transferred to the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1983. She was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. As an Adrian Dominican, she was a chaplain, assistant to the Motherhouse Mission Chapter Prioress, part of the Office of Information/Archive staff, and a spiritual director. [ADS]

Nelson Eugene Handy, 84, of Hudson died on Jan. 26. He worked as a welder for over 40 years at Mitchell Welding in Adrian. He loved the outdoors, and he attended North Rome Baptist Church. [BVH]

Sherrie Mohr, 63, of Adrian died on Jan. 26. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies and other sweets. [PA]

Jorge Enrique Galindo, 95, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 27. He attended Eastern Michigan University. He became a U.S. citizen in 1976 and was passionate about the importance of democracy and exercising the right to vote. He took multiple mission trips and worked as a chemist at Wacker Chemical for 35 years until retirement. [AM]

Michele Jeannine “Shelly” Remmele, 53, of Adrian died on Jan. 27. She was a 1991 graduate of Addison High School. [PA]

Gladys “Lavaughn” Warner, 86, of Adrian died on Jan. 27. She was an immaculate homemaker and gardener. [PA]

Sister Barbara Cervenka, OP, 86, of Adrian died on Jan. 28. Formerly Sister James Annette, she was in her 68th year of religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. A native of Cleveland, she ministered in elementary and secondary education in Maybee, Detroit, and Madison Heights. She later taught art and was an assistant dean at the University of Michigan and then was a professor of art at Siena Heights University. [ADS]

Franklin C. Thornton, 93, of Adrian died on Jan. 28. He served in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. After returning from Korea he became an Adrian police officer. He then became an electrician and was promoted to the Assistant Superintendent of Electricians at Tecumseh Products, where he worked until

his retirement. He was a member of the Maple Avenue Bible Church. [PA]

Paul Richard “The Dad” Hollenbeck, 79, died on Jan. 29. He was a 1964 graduate of Adrian High School. An architect, he worked for many years at The Collaborative in Toledo, becoming a partner in 1984. After retirement he continued to work with the Toledo Design Collective, mentoring young architects and designers.

Edward Henry Clark, 90, of Clinton died on Jan. 30. He worked as a pattern maker for R&B Machine Tool in Saline for over 35 years. After retirement he started Woods Unlimited, which he owned for several years. He was a member of Macon United Methodist Church. He joined the Macon Township board in the 1960s and held various offices with the township until recently. [H]

Christopher Michael Cunningham, 43, of Tecumseh died on Jan. 31. He spent his days in motion, golfing, traveling and fishing. He was a construction worker, helping family members with home renovation projects. He spent his last years working with his father going to trade shows until they both retired in 2025. [H]

Barbara Lou Pifer Dohm Greene, 92, of Adrian died on Jan. 31. She started working at a very young age at Curtis Poultry, Family Theater, and A&W Root Beer Drive-In. After marriage she worked at Oro Manufacturing for 11 years. She then worked at Adrian Manufacturing, Bidwell Manufacturing, Weirick AFC Home, and Stevenson Home. She attended St. Joseph Church in Adrian. [W]

Rosendo “Ross” Ojeda, 73, of Tucson, Arizona, died on Jan. 31. He was a 1970 graduate of Adrian High School and attended Adrian College and the University of Michigan. He was employed for many years with Herb Alpert and A&M Records. He was a media consultant at Notable Artists since 2018.

Keith L. Richardson, 84, of Adrian died on Jan. 31. He was a graduate of Adrian High School and attended the University of Michigan. He built a successful career at Citizens Gas Fuel Co., where he worked as a data processing manager. He loved golf, pool, and bowling. [W]

Kimberlie Lynn Sherman, 56, of Onsted died on Jan. 31. She was a 1987 graduate of Onsted High School and earned a bachelors degree from Michigan State Univeristy and a masters degree from Sol Ross University in Texas. [PA]

Tommie Lee Turpening, 82, of Adrian died on Jan. 31. He worked as a machine operator at General Motors for 25 years, retiring in 2006. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. [PA]

Jeffrey Wayne Carpenter, 71, of Waldron died on Feb. 1. He was a graduate of Waldron schools. He worked as a welder at Martin Sprocket and Richmond Machining and then became a truck driver for B&H and worked in maintenance for Waldron Elevator. He loved raising his donkeys and for 15 years he participated in many live nativities with them. He also participated in the Waldron tractor pulls. [AM]

Marylou Nieto, 77, of Adrian died on Feb. 2. She worked at Bixby Hospital for 36 years. [PA]

Mark Alan Tozer, 69, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 2. He was the owner of Mark’s Drain Service in Tecumseh. He was on a Thursday pool league and other hobbies included fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. [W]

Evelyn Louise Reitz, 96, of Clayton died on Feb. 3. She was a 1946 graduate of Sand Creek High School. She worked as a beautician from 1947-1952. She was a member of the Sand Creek Community Church and was president of the Sand Creek Ladies Aid for many years. Later in life she enjoyed making keepsake quilts for her family members and knitting hats, which she donated to those in need. [AM] Christopher Arthur Brady, 65, of Tipton died on Feb. 5. He worked at Brady Sand and Gravel most of his life. He enjoyed working on his car and attending car shows. [H]

IN MEMORY

Carolyn Ann Gross, 85, of Adrian died on Feb. 5. She owned a salon and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi. She then became the Wendy Ward charm school teacher at Montgomery Ward. She transitioned to a children’s clothing buyer and occasionally modeled. She was a self-taught floral designer and co-owner of Nature’s Designs, and she also coordinated talent for the local MDA telethon. [AM]

Marilyn Joyce Hawkins, 87, of Adrian died on Feb. 5. She worked for several years with Standard Federal Bank of Lenawee, where she served as a loan officer and was later promoted to branch manager. [AM]

Robert William McNett Jr., 83, of Hudson died on Feb. 5. He worked at Brazeway in Adrian for over 36 years. He attended Medina Federated Church. [AM]

Loretta A. Bulloch, 95, of Adrian died on Feb. 6. She worked as a receptionist with the Adrian Dominican Sisters for a number of years. She and her husband owned and operated Scotty’s Black Angus Restaurant in Reading, where they were known for homestyle cooking and mismatched coffee cups. She attended Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Campus. [AM]

Doris Jean Frye, 89, of Palmyra died on Feb. 6. She was a 1954 graduate of Blissfield High School. She taught kindergarten through eighth grade in the Leroy one-room schoolhouse in Palmyra before starting her family. She and her husband wintered in Florida for 19 years. She was a longtime member of Wellsville United Methodist Church and later Raisin Center Friends Church, where she played the organ and piano. [W]

Wayne Paul Smith, 78, of Adrian died on Feb. 6. He began teaching for Adrian Public Schools in 1971 and served as a history teacher for 40 years, retiring in 2012. He coordinated school trips for the students to Washington, D.C. He attended the St. Mary campus of Holy Family Parish in Adrian. He

served on the Madison Charter Township board for over 20 years. He often visited the sick in local nursing homes. He was an avid Euchre player and belonged to the Newcomer group. [AM]

Sister Margaret Urban, OP, 97, of Adrian died on Feb. 6. Formerly Sister Michael Elizabeth, she was in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation. She was born in Detroit. She ministered in elementary and secondary education in Illinois. She later served the Genesee Catholic Education Office in Flint and the Archdiocese of Detroit; ministered in the U.S. Catholic Commission office in Lansing; and was a substance abuse therapist in Port Huron and St. Clair. [ADS]

Guadalupe Z. Contreras, 82, of Adrian died on Feb. 7. [PA]

Thomas Martin Robakiewicz, 80, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 7. He attended St. Joseph Shrine Catholic Church. He enjoyed gardening and had a Bonsai tree he sculpted for many years. He cherished his time driving his 1970 Camaro and he could frequently be found fishing in the canal on Wamplers Lake. [E]

Richard George Butler, 95, of Adrian died on Feb. 8. He was a 1947 graduate of Onsted High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and spent 35 years in the Army and Army Reserve, retiring in 1988 as a colonel. He began teaching at Sand Creek Community Schools in 1957. He was a fixture at Sand Creek for over 35 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, and principal, retiring in 1993. He attended Tecumseh Friends Church and the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene. He was a lifetime member of the Reserve Officers Association, VFW, American Legion, Disabled Veterans and AMVETS. [W]

Barbara Ann Ketchum, 58, of Clinton died on Feb. 8. She loved going to the beach more than anything so she could relax and recharge, and had a fondness for life’s little delights. [H]

Carolyn Alberta Leidigh, 91, of Bryan, Ohio, died on Feb. 8. She was born in Hudson and moved to Clayton when she was 13. She attended Hudson Schools and worked for 20 years at the Hudson Schools cafeteria. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts for eight years. She was a member of Eastland Baptist Church in Bryan. [BVH]

William V. Anderson Jr., 95, of Blissfield died on Feb. 9. He worked at Jeep for 38 years, retiring in 1988. He enjoyed bowling, working in his garden and sharing his vegetables with family and friends. [AM]

Nancy Lee Hamlin, 88, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 10. [E]

Linda Kay Herrell, 72, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 10. She worked for over 40 years in the accounting department at United Bank & Trust, retiring in 2014. She was a lifelong member of Tecumseh Missionary Baptist Church. [H]

Kenneth Alfred Fick, 78, of Adrian died on Feb. 11. He attended Blissfield schools through his junior year and graduated from Sand Creek High School in 1965. During high school he worked with his father building houses. He worked at Hydro Aluminum (Bohn Aluminum), retiring after 39 years. [AM]

Archer Leigh Handy, 73, of Clayton died on Feb. 11. He was a 1970 graduate of Onsted High School and received his teaching degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Siena Heights University. He began his teaching career at Onsted before moving to Adrian Public Schools. He taught at Michener and Alexander elementary schools, retiring in 2013 after 30 years of teaching. He was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. He volunteered at the Salvation Army. [W]

Philip “Flip” Reynolds Jr., 79, of Clarklake died on Feb. 11. He enjoyed his daily breakfasts with his friends at the Big Boy, bike rides around the Clark Lake Spirit Trails, trips to Florida, and flying his model airplanes. He volunteered for the Clark Lake Community Center and was a trustee for Columbia Township. [AM]

Patricia Ann Reno, 89, of Adrian died on Feb. 14. She was a 1954 graduate of Sand Creek High School. She was a member of Jasper Bible Church, where she played the piano and organ, taught Sunday School, and served in various ministries including the Grief Share program and the Young at Heart program for seniors. She was a master cake decorator and taught the art to many 4-H participants. [W]

Clair Olin Iffland, 94, of Ottawa Lake died on Feb. 15. He was born in Ogden Township, graduated from Metamora High School, and served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed Thursday coffee with friends at Beckey’s in Blissfield, playing cards at Joe’s in Metamora, and socializing at the Blissfield Senior Center and the Elks in Wauseon. [W]

Jeanette Deanna Becker Knox, 88, died on Feb. 15. She was born in Adrian and after marriage made her home in Sand Creek. After her children were grown she returned to the workforce and worked for Madison schools, then the Lenawee County Register of Deeds’ office. She was later elected as Register of Deeds, serving until her retirement in 1996. After retirement she served as a member of the Lenawee County Jury Board for 10 years. [W]

Carol Jean Holderman, 82, of Tipton died on Feb. 16. She was a 1962 graduate of Tecumseh High School. She was active in 4-H as a leader with the Tipton Jets. She was known as a “wrestling mom” in Tecumseh for many years. She and her husband were active on bowling leagues. [PS]

Cristal Jane Milner, 86, of Blissfield died on Feb. 16. After high school she attended Riggs School of Beauty and Van Fike School of Hair Design, becoming a beautician, and eventually worked at The Crystal Room and Men’s Salon in Blissfield for many years. She enjoyed spending time at Evans Lake. Later in life she worked in real estate. [W] Walter Lee Hartman, 75, of Adrian died on Feb. 17. He was a graduate of Adrian High School and was a member of the Irish Hills Eagles. He enjoyed life on the lake, boating, golfing, bowling, and his 1989 Corvette. [E]

William R. Turner, 80, died on Feb. 11. He was a 1963 graduate of Onsted High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He was an active member of the American Legion. He worked in the automotive industry for his entire career, with time at Chrysler, GT Products, and Eaton. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Adrian. [PA]

Pauline “Paula” Anna Shirk, 86, of Adrian died on Feb. 12. She worked as a flight attendant early in her career but spent most of her life as an educator. She was one of the original educators at what is now the LISD Tech Center. She moved into administration in 1971 and earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in education administration from the University of Michigan. She later worked for the Jackson Intermediate School District, eventually becoming assistant superintendent, and retired in 1998. She was active with the Croswell Opera House and Adrian Symphony Orchestra. [W]

Vicky Marie Mason, 73, of Adrian died on Feb. 13. She was a graduate of Adrian High School and earned her certification as a dietary manager, working for several years at Provincial House in Adrian. She also worked for L&W Engineering. [AM]

Kathryn Ann White, 73, of Britton died on Feb. 13. [PS]

Frank “Bob” Robert Jenson, 74, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 14. He was a 1969 graduate of Brooklyn High School. He was the longest-serving member of the Brooklyn Village Council, served as president of the Brooklyn Sportsman’s Club, and was a member of the Jackson County Parks Association and the Columbia Township Planning Commission. [E]

Ada Mary Palmer-Pennington, 84, of Adrian died on Feb. 14. She worked as a hairdresser for many years. She was the owner of New Image Salon for 42 years and worked at Bellus Salon after selling her business, and more recently she worked at Hang Loose Boutique and Hair Salon. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. [AM]

Judith Shock Miskowski, 77, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 17. She attended Kenwood Church of Christ in Livonia for many years, then The Summit where she sang in the choirs and played piano. [E]

David Benton Pekrul, 64, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 17. He worked in the communications industry, serving as a radio morning show host for many years, and most recently was employed by Michigan Medicine in Guest Services. [H] Christina Louise “Chris” Tibbs, 89, of Manitou Beach died on Feb. 17. She studied at Hillsdale College, and she and her husband owned Tibbs IGA until 2013. She was involved with the Devils Lake Yacht Club and served as the race committee chair for many years. [BVH]

Glen LeRoy Klingensmith, 82, of Tecumseh died on Feb. 18. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He worked for the Tecumseh Products for 13 years and then for Ford Motor Co. in the maintenance department, retiring in 2006. He was a member of the Tecumseh American Legion. [H]

Anthony “Tony” James Merillat, 60, of Adrian died on Feb. 18. He was a longtime member of Grace Point Evangelical Free Church. He enjoyed flying, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. [H]

Norman Albert “Norm” Myers, 82, of Adrian died on Feb. 18. He was a 1961 graduate of Adrian High School. He had many fond memories of hitting the greens with his friends at the Devils Lake Golf Course on league nights. [W]

Johnie LaVern Rangler Sr., 77, of Brooklyn died on Feb. 19. He worked at Ford Motor Co. for over 40 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Brooklyn Fraternal Order of Eagles. [E] Louis “Wayne” Pringle, 81, of Clayton died on Feb. 20. He lived his early life in Lapeer. After living in Arizona and Florida, he returned to Michigan in the early 1980s, residing in Waldron and Addison and finally in Clayton. He worked as a forklift operator at the GM Fisher Body plant in Flint and also raised and sold horses. [BVH]

Science

from page B1

It’s the flagship program of the organization Creating Exciting Futures in STEM. Lenawee County was one of only four areas in Michigan to host a challenge this year, according to the group’s website, cefinstem.org.

With families and friends filling the audience as spectators, the atmosphere was energetic and supportive as students demonstrated their ability to think critically and work together.

At the conclusion of the competition, Tecumseh’s team earned first place, while Onsted teams claimed both second and third place honors, highlighting the strength of chemistry learning across the county.

The first-place team from Tecumseh included Reed Philip, Colin Marsh, and Annabelle Beyer. The second-place team from Onsted included Molly Stoos, Jesse Purdue, Logan Sierra, and Sylas Johnstone, while the third-place team from Onsted included Samarah Huffman, Olivia Knipp, and Haileigh Helminiak.

Each participating team was supported by teachers who helped guide students through the experience. Adrian’s team was led by Liz Hughes, Blissfield’s team by Katie Heineman, Onsted’s team by Noelle Martell and Will Ochoa, and Tecumseh’s team by Eryn Stamper and Jon Way.

The Lenawee County regional challenge was made possible through the combined efforts of the Lenawee Chemical Collaborative, Lenawee Now, the Lenawee Intermediate School District, and Adrian Public Schools. The event was sponsored by PPG, Lenawee Now’s Align Lenawee Talent Consortium, Evonik, W2Fuel, Anderson Development Company, Wacker, the Lenawee

Transition

from page B1

reassessing what I wanted to do and what legacy I wanted to leave.”

The executive director opening appeared almost by chance — and then again, sent the same day by a colleague who thought of her immediately.

“That was the only job I applied for,” Wilson said. “A week later I got a call, and two months after that, I got the job.”

Lewis said the search process was intentional from the start. The board hoped to identify someone local — someone who understood the communities Catholic Charities serves across three counties.

“When Niki’s resume came in, it was like, ‘Oh my gosh — this is someone who would be great,’ ” Lewis said.

And within a half hour of interviewing Wilson, Lewis knew she was the right one.

“It really took a weight off my shoulders knowing we found the right person to carry this forward,” she said.

Lewis has been involved with Catholic Charities since 2004, following earlier work at the former Bixby and Herrick hospitals. During her tenure, the agency merged with Catholic Charities of Jackson in 2010, expanded counseling services to include substance abuse treatment, secured a major Michigan Department of Corrections contract, and established three child advocacy centers — one in each county.

The first child advocacy center opened in Jackson in 2012, followed by the one in Lenawee County and in 2023, Hillsdale County. These centers provide trauma-informed services to children

Intermediate School District, and Adrian Public Schools.

The competition was facilitated by Lenawee Intermediate School District

who have experienced abuse.

“When you’re talking about hundreds of children every year who’ve been sexually abused, and you can intervene early,” Lewis said, “you’re saving lives.”

The prison counseling contract, now serving 11 facilities, also has played a key role in the agency’s stability.

Counselors provide substance abuse treatment to incarcerated individuals as part of the parole process — a program that generates revenue to help sustain services that operate entirely on mission rather than margin.

“We’re always balancing mission versus margin,” Lewis said. “That contract helps fund programs where we lose money but can’t afford not to offer them.”

Wilson’s priorities will include diversifying funding for child advocacy centers, rebuilding foster care and adoption pipelines, strengthening donor engagement, and reshaping public understanding of Catholic Charities’ work.

“A lot of people don’t know what we do,” Wilson said. “Even I didn’t fully understand the scope before I interviewed here.”

She also is intent on dispelling longstanding misconceptions.

“The myth is that we only serve Catholics,” Wilson said. “But we serve everyone. We do it because we’re Catholic — not because they are.”

For Wilson, sustainability and mental health services are central to the agency’s next chapter. For Lewis, stepping away is made easier by her confidence in the leadership now in place.

“This is the right time,” Lewis said. “And this is the right person.”

Sarah Gautz, Asya Powers and Leighlyn Blevins, representing Adrian Public Schools, take part in the You Be the Solution Challenge on Feb. 17.

Tecumseh’s first-place finishers, Colin Marsh, Reed Philip and Annabelle Beyer, are pictured with LISD Superintendent Mark Haag.

staff members Jackie Murray, science curriculum consultant, and Kerry Nieman, Stubnitz Environmental Education Center coordinator.

The company, located in Morenci’s industrial park, provides a full range of start-to-finish metal fabricating and assembly services including laser cutting, welding, CNC machining, and more.

Roth Fabricating is now in its third generation of family ownership. After Jim and Rita retired in 2000, they sold the business to two of Rita’s children, Shane Sarnac and Simone Haas.

Sarnac’s grandfather worked for that long-ago blacksmith and took over when the blacksmith died, transforming the business into a place that did welding and frame repair and fixed farm implements. Glaser was Sarnac’s uncle.

By 2004, Roth Fabricating had outgrown its home at that time, a converted laundromat in uptown Morenci, and had moved into a new building, since greatly expanded, at its current location.

Sarnac later bought Haas out and two other family members came on board as partners: Jim and Rita’s grandson Jason Wilson and Joel Swett, nephew of Sarnac’s wife, Jeanie. Jeanie also worked for the company for many years before retiring.

Many other family members have been part of the company over the years as well. One of those is Lauren Wilson, Jason’s daughter-in-law, who works for the business now and expects to take the reins in due time as the fourth generation to run Roth Fabricating.

“I’ve been talking to Jason about it for years,” Lauren said. To her, it’s all about “carrying on the family legacy and the culture of it.”

Swett said he’s excited to see the family’s younger members, like Lauren, become part of the business. “I hope they make a career out of it,” he said.

Not surprisingly in a family-run business, all of the kids did their part as they grew up, doing anything from cleaning to bending tubes to sitting at the family’s kitchen table putting together windshield wiper lines.

Of course, when you run your own company, trade-offs sometimes have to be made where the business’s needs come first. “Once, Rita wanted some carpeting and Jim wanted a forklift,” said Barb Roth, whom Jim married after Rita’s passing. “What do you think they got?”

“We never lived extravagantly, and we never took a lot of money out of [the business],” Sarnac said. “We always wanted to invest it in the company.”

Roth Fabricating has served a diverse array of customers over the years, doing “anything we could make money at,” Jim said.

“Jim is the kind of guy that could make anything work,” Sarnac said, and he and other family members began ticking off a list of some of those things: designing machines, repairing cars, even raising horses. “He’s just one of those guys who could figure out a way.”

And even at his age — 83 — “he’s like an Energizer Bunny,” Barb said. “He just never stops.”

Sarnac said that over the years, the company has worked with just about every factory within 50 miles of here. At one time, Jim handled a lot of work for the automotive industry, with one of their major customers being automotive supplier Fayette Tubular in nearby Fayette, Ohio.

That company’s closure is what caused Roth’s business to pivot into doing metal fabricating because it was something the other companies couldn’t do for themselves.

The company bought its first laser for cutting parts, a used model, sometime after 2004, and then in 2008 bought its first new laser and some automation capabilities.

“And that’s when things really started to go,” Sarnac said. It proved to be an excellent investment, because the automation allows the laser to cut the needed patterns out of metal sheets all night long by reloading itself.

Today, Roth Fabricating creates everything from steel drains, to the superstructure needed to mount tow motors on the back of a Lowe’s or Home Depot truck, to pickup truck lift kits and other aftermarket parts, and more.

The demand for data centers and the need for metal to build them also means a lot of new work is available, and because tariffs are leading to shifts in where manufacturing is done, “we’ve seen a lot of positive stuff come from it,” Swett said.

Sarnac and the rest of the family are very intentional about making Roth Fabricating a place where their employees matter. “We all work here, and we’ve never considered that these people work for us,” he said.

“I don’t even like the term ‘boss,’ ” Swett added. “We’re all co-workers. We’re all trying to do the same job here. None of us is more important than the other.”

Symbolizing the family’s outlook on life and business, there’s a plaque hanging by the front office that reads “God Shop.”

“This business was given to us by the good Lord and we have to take advantage of that opportunity and treat people right,” Sarnac said. “Our employees have never been just a number to us.”

From where Jim first started out in business — “in a small horse barn with no employees,” he said — the company he and Rita founded almost five decades ago currently employs more than 40 people. Sarnac said that makes it one of the largest employers in Morenci.

Besides what it does for the local employment picture, Roth Fabricating does a lot to be a good community partner, whether that’s being active with Little League, building a scoreboard and benches for the school district, doing welding work for the city, or donating money to local causes.

“Because the Lord has blessed us, we’re able to give back to the community,” Sarnac said. “And the city has been really good to us, too.”

Joel Swett sets up the laser to cut patterns out of metal at Roth Fabricating in Morenci.

AHS student’s flag design wins statewide youth art competition » PAGE C2

Celtic rock band comes to the TCA

ARTS & LIVING

THE LENAWEE VOICE THIRD SECTION MARCH 2026

Croswell presents kids’ musical “Giraffes Can’t Dance”

» PAGE C3

‘Long Story Short’

Love of dachshunds

By Renee Lapham Collins The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — When Michelle Crandall began photographing dogs, she wasn’t thinking about publishing a book. She was a nurse looking for a creative outlet — a way to slow down and notice the personalities behind the paws and fur.

“Long Story Short: Dachshund Tails of Courage and Companionship,” profiling Crandall’s favorite breed, came out last year, creating a novel way to raise money for canine causes.

BOOKS

By Arlene Bachanov The Lenawee Voice

TECUMSEH — A double dose of English composer Edward Elgar is on the program when the Adrian Symphony Orchestra returns to classical music this month after two pops concerts in a row.

MUSIC

The concert, titled “The Hidden Score,” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Adrian College’s Dawson Auditorium.

A Classical Conversation with ASO music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling begins at 6:40 p.m. in the auditorium and is free to all ticketholders.

Tickets are $41/$35/$27, with discounted rates of $39/$33/$27 for senior citizens and $22/$19/$15

See SYMPHONY, page C4 Cello concerto featured in ASO’s March concert

“It was in honor of my three previous dachshunds, Oscar, Max and Minnie, so it was an emotional project,” Crandall said.

Crandall’s path from health care to photography unfolded gradually. She said she started taking it more seriously in 2013 when she began photographing hockey. In 2019, she was part of the first Launch Lenawee business boot camp cohort, which helped her focus her dreams into reality.

“I took my experience with human sports and channeled it into dog sports,” she said. Those included agility, dock diving and Fast CAT, short for the Fast Coursing Ability Test.

Then COVID-19 hit and canceled every single event.

“I had to make a pivot in my business as so many did, and I started doing pet portraits instead,” she said.

“And I’ve been doing that ever since.”

She eventually produced her dachshund-focused collection of photos, selling all the copies and raising roughly $15,000 for Dachshund Haus Rescue.

The response confirmed what she had begun to sense behind the camera: her images resonated not simply

and

in the works.

because they were technically strong, but because they captured something recognizably human in their subjects. Her new book project will expand that vision. Rather than focusing on a single breed, the upcoming collection will feature dogs of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds, photographed with the same attention to expression and presence. Scheduled for release this winter, the book reflects an intentional blending of art and purpose, shaped by Crandall’s growing awareness of how photography can be used to advocate for animals whose stories might otherwise go unseen, a purpose that crystallized after Crandall spent time at Dirty Paws Agape Haven, a senior dog hospice sanctuary south of Blissfield.

Founded in 2020, Dirty Paws Agape

Haven provides hospice-style care for senior, abandoned, and medically fragile dogs — many of whom would otherwise face euthanasia.

Located just south of Blissfield, near Ottawa Lake, the sanctuary focuses on comfort rather than adoption, offering long-term care, medical support, and a peaceful environment for dogs in the final stages of life.

Dirty Paws is the vision of Dr. Tom Pappas, a cardiologist with ProMedica whose commitment to animal welfare led him to create a place where aging dogs are treated not as burdens, but as companions deserving dignity. Too often, Pappas said, dogs are treated “like a piece of furniture — something that

See PHOTOGRAPHY, page C4

Michelle Crandall first began photographing dogs while working as a nurse. She now runs a business, Pets in Focus,

recently published a book of dog portraits, with another project

RENEE LAPHAM COLLINS/LENAWEE VOICE

Cellist Sterling Elliott is the soloist for the Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s March concert.

‘The World Needs Art’

Adrian High School senior earns honors in statewide youth art contest

ADRIAN — Adrian High School senior Sydney Britt recently earned top honors in the Michigan Art Education Association’s annual Youth Art Month flag contest, winning both the high school division and the overall state competition.

The 2025–2026 contest theme, “The World Needs Art,” challenged students across Michigan to design original artwork that incorporates the word “Michigan” and reflects on the importance of art in the world today. Adrian High School’s Art Club, under the guidance of advisors Annie Howard and Victoria Beagle, submitted student designs during the fall.

Britt’s winning design will also be transformed into a high-quality fabric flag representing Michigan in the Youth Art Month exhibit at the National Art Education Association’s national convention in March. The exhibit will be viewed by thousands of art educators from across the country before the flag is returned to her this spring.

“I believe this is the first time in Adrian Public Schools history that we have had a YAM flag design winner,” said Annie Howard, Adrian High School art teacher and assistant fine arts coordinator. “I am incredibly proud of Sydney. She works so hard and is a great representative of the Art Club, art classes, our school, and our district.”

“I am so happy to have Sydney’s work recognized in this way,” said Adrian High School art teacher Victoria

Beagle. “Sydney’s flag design is skillful and creatively exceeds the contest requirements. I am so proud of her.”

Britt was caught off guard in a Zoom call from the Youth Art Month flag coordinator, during which she received the great news.

“I am so honored to be a part of such an amazing contest,” she said. “I honestly couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my teachers and peers.”

More information about Adrian Public Schools and its fine arts program can be found at adrianmaples.org.

Sydney Britt’s flag design earned top honors in the Michigan Art Education Association’s annual Youth Art Month Flag Contest. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADRIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Adrian High School senior Sydney Britt won the high school division and overall state competition in the Michigan Art Education Association’s annual Youth Art Month flag contest.

‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ brings a beloved children’s book to the Croswell stage

ADRIAN — With his long legs and his crooked knees, Gerald the Giraffe couldn’t possibly learn to dance. Could he?

THEATER

That’s the story of “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” a children’s book by Giles Andreae that has been adapted into a musical playing this month at the Croswell Opera House.

The musical uses puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing to tell Gerald the Giraffe’s story. All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald — played by Delayna Garcia of Cement City in the Croswell’s production — can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, played by Mitchell LaRoy of Blissfield, Gerald finds his own song and learns to dance to the beat of his own drum.

The cast of the show also includes Nate Adams, Virginia Atkinson, Maya Gangadharan, Cassidy Giddens, Erica Murray and Carter Steude, all of Adrian; Diane DuRussel of Manchester; and Elliana Rhine of Delta, Ohio. Jimmy Stewart of Onsted and Fletcher Foreman of Adrian play the djembe.

The show is directed by Kylie McElrath, with music direction by Leah Fox and choreography by Jessica Briggs.

Composers Leela Oleszkiewicz and Elton Bradman worked closely with playwright and lyricist Gloria Bond Clunie for this new show, which was first commissioned by Bay Area Children’s Theater in Berkeley, California, and the Rose Theater in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” runs the weekend of March 6-8, with performances on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The Saturday afternoon show is a sensory-friendly production with adaptations made for children who have sensory processing issues or are on the autism spectrum.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students, and may be ordered online at croswell.org or by calling 517-264-7469.

The Croswell is at 129 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Spring break camp features Disney’s ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’

ADRIAN — For the second year, the Croswell Opera House will present a weeklong performance camp during Lenawee County’s spring break.

During the camp, students will learn and perform a short musical, Disney’s “Dare to Dream Jr.” The show follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible.

The Croswell has offered a summer performance camp for a number of years, and due to that program’s popularity, started a one-week spring camp last year.

The camp is open to students in grades 2-10, and will meet the week of March 23. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with some additional hours around performances on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Camp director Kylie McElrath leads a Croswell Opera House performance camp in this photo from 2023.

Tuition is $200, and scholarships are available.

For more information about the spring break performance camp or other educational programs at the Croswell, go to croswell.org/education or call 517-264-7469.

IN BRIEF

Tecumseh Pops Orchestra invites musicians to join for spring concert

TECUMSEH — As the Tecumseh Pops Orchestra & Community Chorus begin rehearsals for their spring concert, titled “250th: Salute to American Music,” the group is inviting interested musicians and vocalists from ninth grade through adult to join their ranks.

This volunteer group of musicians and vocalists represent all walks of life and have varied musical backgrounds. Members come from Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, and Jackson counties.

Weekly rehearsals for the annual spring concert will begin on Monday, March 2, in the Tecumseh High School band and chorus rooms. The Community Chorus will rehearse from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and the Pops Orchestra will rehearse from 7:30 to 9 p.m. If there is no school in Tecumseh on the day of rehearsal, there will be no rehearsal that evening. The dress rehearsal will be on Saturday, May 2, and the concert will be on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m.

Members are asked to park in the north lot at the High School and use the north entrance. Those with larger instruments or who have a handicap parking tag may use the east entrance by the band room.

For more information, contact Jeanette Meyer at 517-423-5989 or email tandjmeyer@earthlink.net. The group’s website is at www.tecumsehpops.org.

Hudson American Legion hosts bingo on Tuesdays

HUDSON — The Hudson American Legion Post at 16113 Cadmus Road hosts bingo for the public each Tuesday evening.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., selling of bingo sheets starts at 5:30 p.m., and games start at 6:30. The final game is worth $500. A $15 book of bingo sheets allows you to play all of the regular games which includes the final game. Proceeds go to various Legion programs, including an American Legion baseball team, scholarships for Hudson High School graduates, and donations to food pantries, a girls softball program, school events, veterans programs, and more.

Knitting and crocheting classes in downtown Adrian

ADRIAN — The downtown Adrian yarn store Tink & The Frog is offering a variety of classes in March for all experience levels. Topics include an introduction to crocheting, learning to knit socks, and more.

In addition to classes in knitting and crocheting, the store hosts free Social Stitching events on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m., Fridays from 1-4 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tink & The Frog also hosts a free Stitches & Stories Book Club. The next selection is “Death by Cashmere,” and the book club meeting is at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.

Tink & The Frog is at 128 E. Maumee St., Adrian. For more information, call 517-759-3990 or go to tinkandfrogyarnshop.com.

Lenawee Lifelong Learning’s spring semester starts soon

ADRIAN — The spring semester for Lenawee Lifelong Learning, an organization that provides ongoing educational opportunities for adults in a relaxed setting, is coming up in April.

A wide variety of classes are planned, with topics ranging from history to art to world cultures.

In one class, retired Adrian Public Schools superintendent Bob Behnke will teach about the history of Auschwitz, one of the most notorious death camps in the Holocaust.

In another, participants can learn about a variety of topics related to the earth, with presentations on raised-bed gardening, Hidden Lake Gardens, the Lenawee Conservation District, and the American Farm Museum and Education Center.

Fiza Gohar, a 16-year-old Adrian High School exchange student from Pakistan, will share the history of her country in one class.

In another, Will Camp will discuss German prisoners of war who were housed in Lenawee County during World War II.

Bob Gordon will give a four-week class on recent Supreme Court cases. Mark Schersten will present a basic overview of astronomy. And for those interested in art, classes will be offered in watercolor and acrylic painting and poetry.

Participants can take as many classes as they like for a single flat fee of $35. The registration deadline is Monday, March 30. Classes meet at the Weber Center in Adrian.

For more information, go to lenaweelifelonglearning.wordpress.com.

Library offers free introduction to Spanish

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is offering Spanish 101, a sixweek introductory class for adults led by Lizbeth Pérez-Cázares, the library assistant in charge of bilingual programming.

The classes will meet once a week at the library, 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Two sessions will be offered:

Photography

from page C1

can be discarded when it’s no longer convenient.” Dirty Paws exists, he added, to counter that mindset. Today, the sanctuary is home to some 40 dogs, each receiving individualized attention in a setting designed to reduce stress and honor their remaining time.

Inspired by her experience at Dirty Paws, Crandall began considering the most effective way to raise funds for

Symphony from page C1

for students, and are available by calling 517-264-3121; online at adriansymphony.org; at the ASO offices in Mahan Hall, Adrian College, during business hours; or at the door beginning one hour before concert time.

Two popular Elgar works are on the program: his Cello Concerto in E minor, featuring guest artist Sterling Elliott, and the “Enigma Variations.”

The concerto is one of the bestknown such works in the repertoire, along with the one written by Dvorak about a quarter-century earlier. Elgar wrote it in the aftermath of World War I, which no doubt influenced the work’s contemplative tone

Kiesling said the orchestra programmed the piece because it was time for the ASO to bring in a cellist as a guest artist. And he’s very happy to be bringing Elliott to Adrian to play it. Kiesling recently teamed up with the soloist for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme” in California.

“He’s just a marvelous player and a wonderful guy. … Sterling’s career is on an absolute tear. He has a growing career, especially in Europe,” Kiesling said. “And he’s someone who can negotiate this

n Tuesdays, March 3 to April 7, from 10-11 a.m.

n Thursdays, March 5 to April 9, from 5-6 p.m.

These classes are intended for beginners with no prior formal instruction or for those seeking a refresher. They are designed to build a strong foundation in the Spanish language.

the sanctuary and developed the idea of a second book expanded to include a variety of breeds, selected from individuals who reach out to participate. Proceeds from the portrait sessions will help cover the cost of producing the book, and each participant will be able to purchase a copy. Crandall hopes the project will ultimately allow her to donate $10,000 to Dirty Paws. In this way, personal stories and portraits from the broader community will help support the longterm care of senior and abandoned dogs who depend on the sanctuary’s work.

piece. It’s heartfelt and it has a reverence and beauty in a way that many concertos flirt with.

“This concerto is quiet and introspective and it’s played with depth and meaning, not fireworks.”

The concerto will round out the first half of the program. The evening’s first piece, Nicolai’s Overture to “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” was chosen by Kiesling because “it will balance the weight of the concerto,” he said.

Based on the Shakespeare play of the same name, Nicolai’s 1849 comic opera is not all that well known in the U.S. but the overture is often performed as a concert work.

“It’s so attractive and sunny,” Kiesling said. “It’ll be a perfect little opener.”

The program’s second half, and the piece that gives the concert its title “The Hidden Score,” features the hugely popular “Enigma Variations.”

“It’s one of those pieces that’s a pillar of classical music,” Kiesling said.

Elgar actually titled his work “Variations on an Original Theme.” Exactly what that theme is, however, is a secret Elgar took to his grave — hence the “Enigma” part of the piece’s better-known title.

Ever since the piece premiered in 1899, people have debated what the theme actually is. But, Kiesling pointed out, “if you knew, it would take the ‘Enigma’ out.”

They will cover essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Instruction includes both Castilian Spanish and Spanish from Latin America, with a focus on practical communication skills. The class is free, but space is limited and registration is required.

To register, go to adrian.lib.mi.us or call the library at 517-265-2265.

For Crandall, the approach feels like a natural extension of what she witnessed.

“This project isn’t just about the dogs in the book,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the bond people have with their animals — and using that love to care for dogs who need it most.”

For more information, visit Pets in Focus at PetsInFocus.com or contact Crandall at michelle@petsinfocus.com. Those interested in participating in her next project can find an application at petsinfocus.com/dpah2026.

‘The Hidden Score’

DATE AND TIME: Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. A Classical Conversation begins at 6:40 p.m.

LOCATION: Dawson Auditorium, Adrian College

TICKETS: $41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors, $22/$19/$15 for students) TO ORDER: 517-264-3121 or online at adriansymphony.org

The work is structured as a theme — however mysterious that theme might be — and 14 variations. Each of the variations is an homage to someone in Elgar’s life: his wife Alice, some of his friends (or, in one case, the friend’s dog), and Elgar himself, the subject of the final variation.

Its best-known section, “Nimrod,” honors his friend and publisher August Jaeger, “Jaeger” being the German word for “hunter” and Nimrod being a mighty hunter mentioned in the Old Testament. The piece allows an orchestra to showcase some of its performers, and “we have some A-list players for this concert,” Kiesling said.

“It’s great for the orchestra to play, but audiences really gravitate to it because it’s really digestible, with all these fun little vignettes. With all these variations, you’d think it’s this disjunct work, but somehow it seems so complete.”

‘A Pilgrimage of Peace’ at Adrian District Library

ADRIAN — The Adrian District Library is hosting David Larwa for a presentation titled “A Pilgrimage of Peace” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12.

Larwa, a modern-day pilgrim, will explore the historical significance of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), one of the most important pilgrimage routes of the Middle Ages, and the reasons behind its renewed popularity today.

Larwa is from Brighton, and he made his first pilgrimage across the Camino de Santiago in 2016. The pilgrimage route leads to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which is located in Galicia in northwestern Spain. The various routes that make up the Camino de Santiago are estimated to attract more than 200,000 travelers each year.

Over the past several years, Larwa has walked more than 8,000 kilometers across Spain, Portugal, and France. His experiences include serving as a hospitalero in Salamanca, Zamora, Ribadiso, and Ponferrada, Spain.

Larwa will share insights into Spanish history alongside personal reflections gained while traveling at three miles per hour. The presentation will conclude with a display and discussion of maps, books, and backpacking equipment used while walking the Camino de Santiago.

There is no cost to attend. All ages are welcome and registration is not required.

The Adrian District Library is at 143 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian.

Learn more about upcoming programs and special events by visiting adrian.lib.mi.us or calling 517-265-2265.

David Larwa will speak at the Adrian District Library on March 12 about his experiences as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago.

Siena Heights plans final Alumni Weekend and Homecoming

ADRIAN — Siena Heights University invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, and friends to campus for its final Spring Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, which will take place from April 17-19.

As the university prepares to close at the end of the 2026 academic year, the Alumni Weekend will serve as one last opportunity for the Saints community to gather, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories.

Activities will range from theatre performances and athletic competitions to alumni honors and cherished traditions.

“Our final Homecoming at Siena Heights University is more than a celebration — it is an opportunity for students, alumni, and friends of the university to come together in a way that reflects who we have always been,” said Kate Hamilton, vice president for advancement and alumni relations.

“As a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, our mission calls us to help people become more competent, purposeful, and ethical in a community that respects the dignity of all. Homecoming gives us the chance to honor that mission by gathering in gratitude, celebrating lifelong relationships, and recognizing the impact Siena Heights has had on so many lives. Inspired by our patron, St. Catherine of Siena, who urged us to ‘be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,’ we hope this final Homecoming is a time of pride, joy, and connection that carries our spirit forward long after the weekend ends.”

2026 Spring Alumni Weekend and Homecoming highlights

Theatre Siena presents “Oklahoma!” (April 16–19): Performances at the Spencer Performing Arts Center throughout the weekend.

Body Language Training Seminar Series with Bill Acheson ’80 (April 17): An engaging seminar focused on turning goals into action.

Women’s Flag Football Tournament (April 17–18): Celebrate SHU seniors and cheer on the Saints.

Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony (April 17): Join the SHU Alumni Board as they honor the final group of Alumni Award recipients in Rueckert Auditorium. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet (April 17): The athletic department will induct members of the 2025-26 Hall of Fame class.

Homecoming Tailgate (April 18): Tailgating in the grassy areas surrounding the stadium parking lot.

Homecoming Mass (April 18): Celebrated in St. Dominic Chapel and led by Father Tom Helfrich.

Alumni Dinner Theater (April 18): An evening of food, fellowship, and entertainment in Benincasa Hall.

Alumni Brunch and Mixer (April 19): A Sunday gathering in the Archangelus Ballroom.

Free concert (April 19): Michael Kirk Lane ’05 returns to the Spencer Performing Arts Center for an evening of music, connection, and celebration. Tickets are required for some events. For more information, go to sienaheights.edu.

MARCH

THINGS TO DO IN LENAWEE COUNTY

To submit events for inclusion in this calendar, please email news@lenaweevoice.com by the 15th of the month before the event.

MONDAY, MARCH 2

Matinee Monday: ‘Harriet’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m.

Friends of the TCA present Matinee Monday on the first Monday of every month. This month’s feature is “Harriet,” a biographical film about abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Free. 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Opening of the Spring Flower Show

Hidden Lake Gardens, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year’s theme for the Hidden Lake Gardens Spring Flower Show is “Legacy in Bloom: Honoring 100 Years of Growth and Inspiration.” Adrian businessman Harry Fee purchased 200 acres of land surrounding the “Hidden Lake” in 1926, and this land eventually became Hidden Lake Gardens. At the Spring Flower Show, visitors can step inside the conservatory and experience its transformation into a vibrant showcase of color. The show lasts all month. 6214 Monroe Road, Tipton 517-431-2060 or hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Lenawee County Family Researchers

Lenawee County Historical Museum, 5:30 p.m. Matt Pacer from the Library of Michigan will discuss the Michigan Pioneer Collections held at the Library of Michigan and how they can help genealogists research the early settlement period of Michigan.

110 E. Church St., Adrian

Women in Ag in Lenawee County

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6-7 p.m.

The Schultz-Holmes District Library celebrates National Agriculture Month with a discussion panel featuring women from Lenawee County who work in different aspects of agriculture.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or blissfieldlibrary.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

Puzzle Piece Shamrocks

Clayton Branch Library, 3-5 p.m.

Kids can stop by the Clayton library to make a shamrock using painted puzzle pieces. No registration needed.

3457 State St., Clayton 517-445-2619 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Early College Information Night

LISD Tech Center, 6:30 p.m.

Lenawee County Early College invites students in eighth through 10th grades and their families to learn how they can get a head start on their future. Through a partnership with Jackson College, students can earn college credits, an associate degree, and professional certifications at the same time as their high school diploma. For more information, email amanda.koch@ lisd.us.

1376 N. Main St., Adrian 517-265-1670

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Create a Butterfly Garden

Using Native Plants

Schultz-Holmes District Library, 6-7 p.m.

This informative workshop will be hosted by Michelle Alvarez.

407 S. Lane St., Blissfield 517-486-2858 or blissfieldlibrary.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Family Bingo

Deerfield Branch Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family out to the library for family bingo. There is no registration required. Stay for a round or two, or stick around for the whole hour.

170 Raisin St., Deerfield 517-447-3400 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Adrian First Fridays Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m.

Get ready to rewind! This First Friday, downtown is throwing it back with Flashback Friday — a night inspired by the best decades, classic hits, and all the nostalgia you didn’t know you needed, from retro tunes and vintage vibes to throwback specials and oldschool style. Rock your favorite decade, relive the good times, and stroll through downtown as local shops and restaurants bring the past to life with themed experiences, deals, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance”

Croswell Opera House, 6:30 p.m.

All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, he finds his own song and learns to dance to the beat of his own drum. This stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book is both a heartwarming story and a toe-tapping good time. Adults $18, students $10. Continues Saturday and Sunday.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Too Hot for Leather

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Hailing from Nashville, Too Hot For Leather blends the raw energy of classic rock with modern influences to create a sound that’s as electrifying as it is unique. The band captures the essence of ’70s and ’80s rock with powerful vocals, soaring guitar solos, and a rebellious spirit, drawing from influences like Paramore, Guns N Roses, and Muse. Their live shows are a spectacle of tight musicianship, flashy stage presence, and pure rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

$20 ($15 for students, seniors and military).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

Adrian High School

Balladiers Showcase

Adrian High School, 7:30 p.m.

Adrian Maples Fine Arts presents vocal music by the Adrian High School Balladiers, with an opening act by Springbrook Middle School Show Choir Camp students. Tickets available at the door or on GoFan.co. 785 Riverside Ave., Adrian adrianmaples.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

“Giraffes Can’t Dance”

Croswell Opera House, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

This musical is a stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees. The 2:30 p.m. performance is a sensory-friendly production with modifications for children who have sensory processing issues or are on the autism spectrum. Adults $18, students $10. Continues Sunday.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Joe Gallo Memorial Bowling Tournament

Rich Lanes, 3 p.m.

Blissfield Township Fire Department is hosting their second annual bowling tournament in memory of fire captain Joe Gallo. Five-person teams; $20 per bowler. Call Rich Lanes to reserve a spot.

622 W. Adrian St., Blissfield 517-682-1003

Kids’ Expo and Craft Show

The Mill Sports and Events Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Young crafters and entrepreneurs will share their talents with the community at this annual event that welcomes vendors from ages 5-17. Admission $2 (cash only).

230 N. Main St., Onsted themillsportsandeventscenter@gmail.com 517-467-5529

Itchycoo Park

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. Blending outstanding vocals, dynamic instrumentation, and a wide repertoire of classic rock and pop favorites, Itchycoo Park transports audiences back to the iconic era of Woodstock-era music. The band delivers intergenerational entertainment that resonates with longtime fans of ’60s and ’70s classics and captivates new listeners alike. $20 ($15 for students, seniors and military). 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

Adrian High School

Balladiers Showcase

Adrian High School, 7:30 p.m.

Adrian Maples Fine Arts presents vocal music by the Adrian High School Balladiers, with an opening act by Springbrook Middle School Show Choir Camp students. Tickets available at the door or on GoFan.co.

785 Riverside Ave., Adrian adrianmaples.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

Giraffes Can’t Dance

Croswell Opera House, 2:30 p.m.

All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, he finds his own song and learns to dance to the beat of his own drum! This stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book is both a heartwarming story and a toe-tapping good time. Adults $18, students $10.

129 E. Maumee St, Adrian croswell.org

The Tecumseh Center for the Arts presents Itchycoo Park, a musical trip back to the Woodstock era, on Saturday, March 7.

MONDAY, MARCH 9

Family Movie: ‘The Bad Guys 2’ Britton Branch library, 3:30 p.m.

The Britton library will show the 2025 familyfriendly animated movie “The Bad Guys 2.” All ages are welcome, and snacks will be provided.

120 College Ave., Britton 517-451-2860 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Mini Animal Planter Decorating

Lenawee District Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Kids of all ages can stop into the Lenawee District Library to decorate an animal-shaped planter using a variety of different materials. There is no registration required.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

Lunch and Learn: Habitat for Humanity

Weber Center, 12:15 to 1 p.m.

Wendy Knox, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County, describes the organization’s offerings, including the repairs program, home construction, and the 20th anniversary of the ReStore. Free; bring your own lunch or purchase lunch from the Weber Center for $8 by registering at least two days in advance of the event.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive, Adrian 517-423-6617 or webercenter.org

Tissue Paper Frames

Lenawee District Library, 2-3 p.m.

Using different printed tissue paper, adults will be able to decorate and customize a wooden picture frame at the Lenawee District Library. Repeats on Thursday. This is a drop-in program and registration is not required. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Career Connections Job Fair

Align Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lenawee Now and the Align Center for Workforce Development will host the Career Connections Job Fair, bringing together employers from a wide range of industries with job seekers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Attendees can learn about local employment opportunities, apprenticeships, internships, and career advancement options. The job fair is also open to local high school juniors and seniors who are exploring future career paths. Free. 440 E. Church St., Adrian lenaweenow.org

A Pilgrimage of Peace

Adrian District Library, 6 p.m.

The Adrian District Library is hosting modernday pilgrim David Larwa for a presentation titled “A Pilgrimage of Peace.” Over the past several years, Larwa has walked more than 8,000 kilometers across Spain, Portugal, and France. He will explore the historical significance of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), one of the most important pilgrimage routes of the Middle Ages, and the reasons behind its renewed popularity today. Free.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 adrian.lib.mi.us

Tissue Paper Frames

Lenawee District Library, 6-7 p.m.

Using different printed tissue paper, adults will be able to decorate and customize a wooden picture frame at the Lenawee District Library. This is a drop-in program and registration is not required.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Fraternal Order of Police Exhibition Basketball Game

Merillat Sport & Fitness Center, 7 p.m.

The Bobby L. Williams Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #117 All-Stars will be taking on the “Past Legends” Detroit Lions. Tickets are $25 for one, $40 for a pair, and $50 for a family ticket (up to eight people). Free autographs included.

249 S. Charles St., Adrian fop117.publicsafetypsa.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Women’s Leadership Conference: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

The Centre, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce presents a meaningful and impactful day with breakout sessions, exhibitors, a leadership panel, and speaker Anna Nielson, CEO of Conflict Capable Solutions. Lunch provided. $75.

1800 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517- 423-3740 greaterlenaweechamber.org

Adrian Symphony Orchestra:

“The Hidden Score”

Dawson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

This concert features the overture to Otto Niccolai’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and Edward Elgar’s cello concerto and “Enigma Variations.” A conversation with music director Bruce Anthony Kiesling precedes the concert at 6:10 p.m. $41/$35/$27 ($39/$33/$27 for seniors, $22/$19/$15 for students).

151 S. Charles St., Adrian 517-264-3121 adriansymphony.org

Kids’ Bingo

Clayton Branch Library, 3-5 p.m.

Kids can play multiple rounds of bingo at the Clayton Branch Library. Drop by for a round or two, or play the whole time. Winners take home a prize.

3457 State St., Clayton 517-445-2619 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Quartermania

Michener Elementary School, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Michener Elementary’s St. Patrick’s Day Quartermania Fundraiser proceeds benefit student engagement, including field trips, assemblies, clubs, and more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bidding starts at 6 p.m. $5 per person; additional paddles available for $2. Bring quarters to participate in bidding.

104 Dawes Ave., Adrian

St. Patrick’s Day Whiskey & Chocolate

Pairing

Farvers at the Croswell, 6:30 p.m.

This event with the Whisky Wizard, Elliot MacFarlane, features five incredible whiskeys expertly paired with bean-to-bar chocolate from Harvest Chocolate. $85.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

12th Annual Battle of the Badges Arrington Ice Arena, 7 p.m.

The Lenawee Smoke Eaters will take on the Blue Knights in a Police vs. Fire Hockey Game to benefit Associated Charities. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 13 and under.

110 S. Madison St., Adrian app.givegrove.com/bob2026 517-265-7255 or thecharities@tc3net.com

On The Lash Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

On the Lash blends the raw spirit of traditional Irish folk with the grit and drive of modern rock. Known for their dynamic stage presence and irresistible rhythms, the band delivers a lively and authentic Celtic experience that’s perfect for audiences of all ages. This performance promises a memorable night of fiddle tunes, pipes, percussion, and crowdpleasing shenanigans. $35 (seniors and military $30, youth $15).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Shamrock Shuffle

Michener Elementary School, 8 a.m.

A 5K run/walk and 1-mile kids’ fun run. Limited to 100 participants, registration ends March 12. Entry fee: $30 for the 5K, $5 for the kids’ run. Register at runsignup.com/Race/MI/ Adrian/ShamrockShuffleByRotary.

104 Dawes Ave, Adrian

Spring Craft & Vendor Show

AJ Smith Recreation Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop over 65 booths filled with a variety of items such as soaps, home decor, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, and more. $2.

810 N. Evans St., Tecumseh tecumsehparksandrec.recdesk.com 517-423-5602

Days of Mindfulness: We Are Needed

Weber Center, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The ground has always been shaky but today fear is more prevalent. Can we let the fear turn us towards one another — in shared vulnerability? Time to be courageous, openhearted, and trusting ourselves to be tender, sad, scared, insightful, and fully present. Join Esther Kennedy, OP, for the monthly Day of Mindfulness at Weber Center. $35; registration required.

1257 E. Siena Heights Drive Adrian 517-423-6617 or webercenter.org

Addison Athletic Boosters Cash Bash

Onsted American Legion, 6-8 p.m.

This benefit for the Addison Athletic Boosters includes dinner, cash bar, and entry to the reverse raffle. Also featuring a silent auction and basket drawing. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and drawing at 7 p.m. $80.

333 Conner St., Onsted 517-467-2197 facebook.com/addisonathleticboosters addisonboosters@gmail.com

Maumee Street Music Jams

First Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m.

An acoustic music jam for instruments such as dulcimer, guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin, whistle, accordion, fiddle, harmonica, marimba, bones and more meets on the second Saturday of every month, September through May, at First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. Enter through the side door.

156 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-270-2870

Leadfoot Granny

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

The sound of classic rock is alive and roaring as Leadfoot Granny, one of Northwest Ohio’s fastest-rising bands, takes the stage for an electrifying night of live music. Known for their powerhouse vocals, driving guitar riffs, and dynamic stage presence, Leadfoot Granny blends the spirit of rock’s golden era with a fresh, modern edge. Their sound draws inspiration from legendary artists such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Aerosmith, delivering a performance that is both nostalgic and unmistakably current. $20 (seniors, military and youth $15).

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh 517-423-6617 or thetca.org

Not Fast Enüff: ’70s and ’80s Mix Tape Croswell Opera House, 7:30 p.m. If you’ve ever said the words “I made you a mix tape,” this concert is for you. Award-winning party band Not Fast Enüff returns to the Croswell stage for a fun-filled concert featuring the greatest hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Adults $35, students $25. 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Volunteer Fair

Hidden Lake Gardens, 1-3 p.m.

Looking for a rewarding way to give back to nature and your community? Stop by the Hidden Lake Gardens visitor center to learn more about the many volunteer and docent opportunities at the gardens. 6214 Monroe Rd, Tipton 517-431-2060 hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu

Beaded Wishes (in conjunction with the Holocaust Museum)

Adrian Center for the Arts, 2-4 p.m.

Thinking about the Holocaust elicits many different feelings. With this art experience people will be encouraged to capture their feelings about this subject and its effect on us today, using threads of cloth to link past to future, creating a small piece of jewelry. Beads with their hollow circular opening are thought of as story tellers in many cultures. Along with the woven fibers they can relate what we feel about the past to bring this piece to fruition. Inside will be tucked a secret wish to share the artist’s hopes, fears, dreams or heartfelt sincerity. Participants may bring a scrap of cloth that might have meaning to them or perhaps some beads that are favored, although these supplies will be available during the class. Embroidery stitches can also embellish this piece, as well as ribbons and yarns. $20.

1375 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian 517-759-3005 or adriancenterforthearts.org

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Cotton Ball Cloud Rainbows

Clayton Branch Library, 3-5 p.m.

Kids can welcome the coming of spring with this fun craft. Using cotton balls and paper, make a cute cloud and rainbow to brighten up the day. Registration is not required. 3457 State St., Clayton

Read with Spartie Addison Branch Library, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Spartie the corgi will be at the Addison Branch Library ready to listen to a story. Book lovers of all ages and invited to stop by. Pick a book off the shelf or bring your own to share. 103 S. Talbot St., Addison

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

Introduction to Genealogy with Julie Olin Lenawee District Library, 6 p.m. Learn everything you need to know about starting your genealogy research. This class will include resources, tips and tricks for finding your family history. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Fall Prevention Workshop

Adrian Senior Center, 9:30 a.m.

A fall can happen in seconds and have life-altering consequences. Learn tips for preventing falls by staying safe and steady at this workshop. To reserve a spot, call 517-264-5280 or email lda@lenawee.mi.us. 327 Erie St., Adrian

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

Third Thursdays Live Music

Downtown Adrian, 5-8 p.m. Come downtown and enjoy live music at your favorite downtown spots.

Movie: “Song Sung Blue” Lenawee District Library, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Lenawee District Library will be showing the movie “Song Sung Blue,” rated PG-13 and recommended for ages 16 and up. Refreshments will be provided.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

The Croswell’s 160th Birthday Party Croswell Opera House, 4-8 p.m.

The Croswell Opera House will kick off the celebration of its 160th anniversary with this party that includes behind-the-scenes tours and opportunities to learn about the story of Michigan’s oldest theater. Free. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

Bring Your Own Talent Night

The Buzz Cafe and Marketplace, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This monthly event features music, poetry, comedy, storytelling, and whatever talent you would like to bring. Free. 110 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-759-3289 or thebuzzadrian.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Testicle Festival

American Legion Post 392, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Rocky Mountain Oysters, chicken gizzards, baked beans, slaw and dinner rolls. Dinner served from noon until sold out. Cash only. 105 W. River St., Deerfield 517-447-4392

Eggstravaganza:

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Hudson High School, 1 p.m.

A community Easter egg hunt for kids up to age 12 will be held indoors at Hudson High School. This event is a collaborative effort of churches from around the Hudson community. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. All pre-registered kids will receive two tickets for door prizes. Pre-register at unitedhudsonchurches.com/ easter Refreshments, brewed coffee for parents provided by Main Street Perk, and other activities will also be part of the event. 746 N. Maple Grove Ave., Hudson www.unitedhudsonchurches.com 517-306-0149

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

History of the Southern Michigan Railroad

Tecumseh District Library, 2 p.m.

Southern Michigan Railroad volunteer Bryan Monaco will present a detailed history of the New York Central Jackson Branch, tracing the line’s evolution from its beginnings in 1836 through its abandonment in 1982. The program continues with the story of the railroad’s rebirth in 1985, when it was acquired by the Southern Michigan Railroad Society. Along the way, he will share the story of the Southern Michigan Railroad Society itself and its ongoing efforts to preserve local railroad history for future generations. Free.

215 N. Ottawa St., Tecumseh 517-423-2238 or tecumsehlibrary.org

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Julian Olivarez

Hudson American Legion, 2-7 p.m.

This benefit for Julian Olivarez, a seventhgrader at Madison Middle School who is fighting brain cancer, includes dinner (spaghetti, bread, salad and a drink) as well a 50/50 raffle and bake sale. $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

16113 Cadmus Road, Hudson

Brothers in Song!

First United Methodist Church, 4 p.m.

This collaborative men’s choral concert featuring Chiaroscuro (Adrian), Langsford Men’s Chorus (Birmingham) and Measure for Measure (Ann Arbor) will help alleviate hunger and homelessness. It is anticipated that about 150 men will join in song at this concert.. A freewill donation will be accepted.

1245 W. Maple Ave., Adrian

Adrian College Spring Concert featuring Chase Matthew Merillat Sport and Fitness Center, 7:30 p.m. Country singer Chase Matthew will headline Adrian College’s Spring Concert. Tickets are $50.

146 S. Charles St., Adrian hometownticketing.com

Looking for a career with purpose?

Join our team at the LISD!

Whether in a classroom, on a school bus, or in an office, our goal is the same: supporting and serving learners.

Careers at the LISD span a range of programs and services, including special education, career and technical education, general education, early childhood, adult learning, transportation, technology, and administrative and support services.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Spring Equinox Weber Center, 3:30 p.m.

Celebrate the awakening. Breathe the freshness of the earth. Share a song, a story or, perhaps, a treat to share. Free and open to all; registration not required. webercenter.org

MONDAY, MARCH 23

Paper Umbrella Decorating Lenawee District Library, 2-3 p.m.

Kids of all ages can stop by the library while supplies last to decorate paper umbrellas. While they can’t be used in the rain, they do make great decor around the house. Registration is not required.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Fairy Houses

Addison Branch Library, 3-5 p.m.

Kids of all ages can drop by the Addison Branch Library to make their own fairy houses using different materials like moss, flowers and more. No registration required.

103 S. Talbot St., Addison 517-547-3414 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Decorate a Donut

Deerfield Branch Library, 4:30 p.m.

Stop by the library to decorate a donut using various supplies All ages are welcome.

170 Raisin St., Deerfield 517-447-3400 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Wildlife Safari Lenawee District Library, 2 p.m.

Get ready for a wild time with a visit from Wildlife Safari. Meet a variety of exotic animals from around the world for attendees at this fun, educational hands-on program. All ages welcome. Limited to 100 people.

4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Family Movie: ‘Zootopia 2’ Lenawee District Library, 1:30 p.m.

A free family movie with pizza provided. All ages welcome. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Nerf Battle

Adrian District Library, 2-3 p.m.

The Adrian District Library is hosting a Nerf battle at the library during spring break. Kids ages 5 and up are welcome. Blast your friends and make new ones while having some fun. Blasters and safety gear provided. Children must be able to operate their Nerf blaster on their own. Free, but registration is required.

143 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-265-2265 or adrian.lib.mi.us

Family Movie: “Night at the Museum” Deerfield Branch Library, 4:30 p.m.

The Deerfield Branch Library will be showing the beloved fun film “Night at the Museum.” Refreshments provided. 170 Raisin St., Deerfield 517-447-3400 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

Lenawee District Library Book Sale

Lenawee District Library, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Browse through gently used books, pick up a new puzzle, or grab a few magazines. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Disney’s ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ Croswell Opera House, 6:30 p.m. Presented by students in the Croswell’s Spring Break Performance Camp, Disney’s “Dare to Dream Jr.” is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, this musical revue features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Coco,” “Encanto,” and “Frozen II.” $10 for adults, free for kids. 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Lenawee District Library Book Sale

Lenawee District Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Browse through gently used books, pick up a new puzzle, or grab a few magazines. 4459 West U.S. 223, Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Legacy: Deep Roots, Lasting Faith — A Women’s Brunch

Grace Point Evangelical Free Church, 10 a.m. Care Pregnancy Center of Lenawee is hosting this morning of multigenerational connection for women and girls ages 13 and up. Attend on your own, with family, or with friends from your church, workplace, or community. Individual tickets are $25, or reserve a table of eight for a discounted rate of $20 per person. Enjoy brunch, coffee and tea, raffle items, and an encouraging message from a guest speaker focused on legacy, faith, family, and making a difference together.

4612 N. Adrian Hwy., Adrian 517-263-5701 or friendsofcpclenawee.com

Disney’s ‘Dare to Dream Jr.’ Croswell Opera House, 11 a.m. Presented by students in the Croswell’s Spring Break Performance Camp. $10 for adults, free for kids.

129 E. Maumee St., Adrian 517-264-7469 or croswell.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

Seed Saving with Bevin Cohen Lenawee District Library, 6 p.m. Michigan author, podcaster, and homesteader Bevin Cohen is heading back to the Lenawee District Library for his popular “Seed Saving 101” presentation. Attendees will learn how to save the seeds from flowers, vegetables and herbs that they can then use for next year’s garden. For plant lovers ages 18 and up. 4459 West U.S. 223, in Adrian 517-263-1011 or lenawee.lib.mi.us

Early College Information Night LISD Tech Center, 6:30 p.m. Lenawee County Early College invites students in eighth through 10th grades and their families to learn how they can get a head start on their future. Through a partnership with Jackson College, students can earn college credits, an associate degree, and professional certifications at the same time as their high school diploma. For more information, email amanda.koch@lisd.us.

1376 N. Main St., Adrian 517-265-1670

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Matinee Monday: ‘Field of Dreams’ Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 1 p.m. Friends of the TCA present Matinee Monday on the first Monday of every month. This month’s feature is “Field of Dreams,” the 1989 sports fantasy drama that stars Kevin Costner as a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield and attracts the ghosts of baseball legends. Free.

400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh thetca.org or 517-423-6617

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

“Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity & Sources” Lenawee County Historical Museum, 6 p.m. Did you ever have the feeling your ancestor wanted you to find them? Join Lenawee County Family Researchers to learn how you can do it. The guest speaker for this program will be Judy Nimer Muhn who will discuss ways to find out about your ancestors. She has been researching her own family tree from the age of 12, specializing in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American and Michigan research. She is the owner of Lineage Journeys, conducting research for clients and traveling extensively to research locations. 110 E. Church St., Adrian

LIVE MUSIC AT BARS AND NIGHT SPOTS

Information in this listing is taken from a mixture of submissions and information published by the venues. We recommend verifying information before making plans. To submit listings, email lcline@lenaweevoice. com before the 15th of the preceding month.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Kevin Wolff, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

JTE, 7-10 p.m., Tecumseh Tavern, 206 E. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Frank Lars, 6-9 p.m, The Starling Lounge/ Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield. Jon Torrence, 7-10 p.m., Farver’s at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.

FiftyAmpFuse, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Bon Jovi Tribute by Wanted, 7-10 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Stained Glass City, 8 p.m. to midnight, The Brick Wall, 114 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Matt Bliton & Val Clark, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City. Faye Williams, 7 p.m, The Starling Lounge, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Klep’s Album Release Party, The Rex Theatre, 235 W. Main St., Morenci. $17.85. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages welcome. Neil Young Tribute by Sugar Mountain, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets ar chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Braxton Garza’s Birthday Bash, 8:3010:30 p.m., Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Rick Whited & Josh Petree, 6-9 p.m, The Starling Lounge/Four Keys Brewing, 133 S. Lane St., Blissfield.

The Takeover Fest, 6-11 p.m., The Rex Theatre, 235 W. Main St., Morenci. $15. Queen Tribute by Simply Queen, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

Ryan Grath, 7-10 p.m., Adrian Eagles, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

Journey Tribute by Infinity & Beyond, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Nasty Nation, Adrian Eagles, 8 p.m. to midnight, 2570 W. Beecher St., Adrian. $5 cover for non-members.

Tom Petty Tribute by Teddy Petty & The Refugees, 8-11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

Goth Night featuring Mouth Sown Shut, 6-11 p.m., The Rex Theatre, 235 W. Main St., Morenci.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Riverjack Ramblers, 6-9 p.m., Atlas Restaurant, 123 N. Main St., Brooklyn.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Mark Arshak, 6-9 p.m., Artesian Wells, 18711 U.S. 12, Cement City.

Marcus & Tiffany, 6-9 p.m., Chaloner’s Cigar House, 108 W. Maumee St., Adrian.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Leadfoot, 7-10 p.m., Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn. 517-467-4700 for reservations. Liveo, 7-11 p.m., Flamingo Beach Grille & Bar, 4321 Michigan Ave, Tipton. Def Leppard Tribute by Armageddon, 8 - 11 p.m., Chateau Aeronautique Winery, 12000 Pentecost Hwy., Onsted. Tickets at chateauaeronautiquewinery.com.

This Month in Downtown Adrian:

March

First Friday - Flashback Friday

Friday, March 6th

Travel back in time while downtown shops and restaurants roll out throwback specials, retro-inspired deals, and fun offerings all night long. Stroll, shop, dine, and enjoy a blast from the past you won’t want to miss!

Shop and Stroll Saturday - Spring Break

Saturday, March 13th

Shake off the winter blues and stroll downtown while shops and restaurants offer spring-inspired specials, deals, and fun surprises. Shop local, dine downtown, and kick off spring break with us!

Third Thursday - Live Music

Thursday, March 19th

Downtown Adrian comes alive this Third Thursday with live music filling your favorite local spots! Grab some friends, enjoy great food and drinks, and soak up the sounds of talented local musicians all around downtown. It’s the perfect midweek vibe!

What’s Happenin’ Wednesday

Wednesday, March 25th

Discover What’s Happenin’ Wednesday downtown! This day we’re spotlighting our amazing service businesses—from beauty and wellness to professional services that keep our community thriving. Take a stroll, learn what’s available, and support the local experts who are here for you year-round.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!